There are many tiny aerosols in the atmosphere that affect our lives, although we often do not realise or sense their existence. A complex mixture of solid and liquid particles from natural and anthropogenic sources; primary particles are continuously emitted into and secondary particles are formed in the atmosphere.
The atmospheric aerosol has a profound effect on our lives. It affects global climate, weather, visibility, and personal health. An extreme example is the London smog disaster in 1952, which caused thousands of deaths primarily due to pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and heart failure.
There is a great deal of concern about the health effects of nanoparticles released into the environment unintentionally and effective investigative instrumentation is an essential prerequisite for research into all aspects of nanotechnology. The portability and ease of use of ANCON instruments makes them ideal for many applications in the fields of aerosol and nanotechnology research.
Atmospheric aerosols comprise complex mixtures of various organic and inorganic compounds and the growing population combined with industrial activities have led to a continuous increase in the emission of aerosols. Combustion particles can be important airborne pollutants, particularly in urban environments. To properly assess the impact on health and the general environment it is important to determine the presence of potentially hazardous chemicals in particulate matter.
Since the effects of nanoparticles are determined by their size and number these are the key basic attributes which must be determined. The portability and ease of use of ANCON instruments makes them ideal for many applications in the fields of air quality and nanotechnology research.
Measurements can be made in-situ in various micro-environments as our instruments are self-contained and simple to operate with user selectable multi-functionality. There are no radiation sources and instruments do not emit hazardous vapours. They operate for extended periods untended.
