Prized Science - Vicki Grassian: Making Sense of Atmospheric Dust

Did you know that storms can carry dust particles, or particulate matter, all the way around the globe? Particulate matter makes up a significant portion of the atmosphere and has wide-ranging effects on human health, solar radiation and greenhouse gases. Climate scientists research the behavior and effects of particulate matter. Since their subject is microscopic and travels around the planet so readily, climate scientists face serious challenges in creating controlled experiments.

Vicki Grassian, winner of the ACS Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science and Technology, helps scientists better understand the complex and wide ranging behavior of dust particles. Vicki's work paints a clearer picture of atmospheric chemistry and the role particulate matter plays in the environment. Just like her subject, her research has global reach.

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[TheAdadadada]

I reside in Key West Florida and suffer from an industrial form of ASTHMA after exposure to toxic dust. One hour outside and my lungs tighten significantly. Unfortunately, there is no agency in the Florida Keys monitoring or reporting on the hazard presented by particulate dust! As the dust from Africa washes over us, there is no instrument of warning available to the public. Thank you for your efforts to bring these studies to light!