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07:51
Method for Recording Broadband High Resolution Emission Spectra of Laboratory Lightning Arcs
Published on: August 27, 2019
High-time resolution and size-segregated elemental composition in high-intensity pyrotechnic exposures
Javier Crespo1, Eduardo Yubero, Jose F Nicolás
1Laboratorio de Contaminación Atmosférica (LCA), Área de Física Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202, Elche, Spain. jcrespo@umh.es
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|October 3, 2012
Summary
Mascletàs pyrotechnic events create short-lived, intense aerosol clouds. These clouds contain high concentrations of metals and elements, posing potential health risks due to fine particle inhalation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Mascletàs are intense pyrotechnic displays common in Eastern Spain.
- These events generate significant, short-lived aerosol clouds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize aerosol components during mascletàs.
- To evaluate acute exposure effects on spectators.
Main Methods:
- High temporal resolution aerosol sampling.
- Elemental analysis of aerosol size distribution.
Main Results:
- Extremely high concentrations of Potassium (K) and Chlorine (Cl) were observed.
- Significant increases (up to 1000x) in metals like Strontium (Sr) and Barium (Ba) in fine particles.
- Firework metals predominantly found in sub-micrometric particles, while crustal elements are in coarser modes.
Conclusions:
- Mascletàs release fine, metal-rich aerosols with potential health implications.
- Understanding particle size distribution is crucial for epidemiological studies.
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