1
1
Deposition,
Transformation, and
Remobilization of Soot
and Diesel Particulates
on Building Surfaces
Peter Brimblecombe and Carlota M. Grossi
CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................1
1.2 Pollution and Architecture ................................................................................2
1.3 Chemistry .........................................................................................................2
1.4 Older Crusts ......................................................................................................4
1.5 Transformations ................................................................................................4
1.6 Darkening of Buildings ....................................................................................5
1.7 Appearance of Buildings ..................................................................................7
1.8 Blackening Patterns ..........................................................................................9
1.9 Future Discoloration of Buildings .................................................................. 10
1.10 Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 11
Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 11
References ................................................................................................................ 12
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The late twentieth century saw a growing awareness that particles in the atmosphere
have a signifi cant effect on urban health. This came as a surprise because of the large
decreases in air pollution that typifi ed urban areas since the 1960s and 1970s. These
improvements had often come about through a declining use of coal as a source of
energy in cities. Although the improvements in traditional air pollutants such as
sulfur dioxide and smoke had been widespread these pollutants had been replaced
by photochemical oxidants in smog: ozone, nitrogen oxides, and more recently fi ne
particles. Much of the change in the nature of air pollution was the result of the
extensive use of the automobile, which released volatile organic compounds into
© 2010 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC
1
Deposition,
Transformation, and
Remobilization of Soot
and Diesel Particulates
on Building Surfaces
Peter Brimblecombe and Carlota M. Grossi
CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................1
1.2 Pollution and Architecture ................................................................................2
1.3 Chemistry .........................................................................................................2
1.4 Older Crusts ......................................................................................................4
1.5 Transformations ................................................................................................4
1.6 Darkening of Buildings ....................................................................................5
1.7 Appearance of Buildings ..................................................................................7
1.8 Blackening Patterns ..........................................................................................9
1.9 Future Discoloration of Buildings .................................................................. 10
1.10 Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 11
Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 11
References ................................................................................................................ 12
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The late twentieth century saw a growing awareness that particles in the atmosphere
have a signifi cant effect on urban health. This came as a surprise because of the large
decreases in air pollution that typifi ed urban areas since the 1960s and 1970s. These
improvements had often come about through a declining use of coal as a source of
energy in cities. Although the improvements in traditional air pollutants such as
sulfur dioxide and smoke had been widespread these pollutants had been replaced
by photochemical oxidants in smog: ozone, nitrogen oxides, and more recently fi ne
particles. Much of the change in the nature of air pollution was the result of the
extensive use of the automobile, which released volatile organic compounds into
© 2010 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC