Annual average concentration of black carbon in the air

The particulate matter in the air resulting from combustion reactions (e.g. diesel engines or wood combustion) is presumably the most harmful fraction of particulate matter. Previously, the concentration of black smoke was mainly measured as an indicator for soot. In recent years, black carbon (Black Carbon or BC) has been measured. This is done by light absorption. Black carbon is mainly present in the ultrafine fraction of fine dust (PM0,1). Black carbon is generated mainly by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass. In urbanised areas, black carbon emissions are strongly linked to traffic, especially from diesel vehicles. Black carbon would be particularly harmful as a carrier of various toxic chemicals. Elementary carbon (EC) is a similar fraction, which is not measured by light absorption but by a thermal-optic method. Both are a measure of carcinogenic soot particles in the air. In addition to health effects, black carbon also affects climate change. It has warming properties due to absorption of light and heat but also indirect cooling properties. Net it contributes to climate warming.