Definition
An airborne mass of gases, vapors, fumes, or aerosols of toxic materials.
See also:
Air Quality Standards
The level of selected pollutants set by law that may not be exceeded in outside air. Used to determine the amount of pollutants that may be emitted by industry.
Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, thin, elongated particles less than 3 micrometers in diameter. They can stay airborne for extended periods and, once inhaled, penetrate deep into the lungs where the body cannot remove them. That persistence is what drives asbestos-related diseases. Fiber counting and identification underpin both exposure assessment and post-removal clearance testing.
Emission
The release or discharge of a substance into the environment. Generally refers to the release of gases or particulates into the air.
Emission Standards
Government standards that establish limits on discharges of pollutants into the environment (usually in reference to air).