Generation and characterization of condensation aerosols of benzo[alpha]pyrene

Condensation aerosols of benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 2 micrometers (aerodynamic diameter) were produced and studied. These aerosols were generated in a glove box by direct vaporization of BaP and homogeneous condensation of the vapor. The aerosol concentration ranged from 50 to 700 micrograms/l with aerosol production rates up to 15 mg BaP per minute. The effects of vaporization temperature and flow rate of diluting air on the particle size distribution and aerosol output were studied. The BaP aerosol was produced with relatively constant mass concentration and particle size distribution for more than 5 h. The aerosol was physicochemically and thermally stable. Data on the in vitro dissolution of BaP particles in aqueous solvents and in different dissolution systems suggested that the organic BaP particle does not dissolve in simple aqueous solvents. Proteins, surfactants, or ethyl alcohol enhanced the rate of dissolution of BaP. The rate of dissolution of BaP particles was inversely proportional to particle size.