Analysis of Connecticut air for trace metals in atmospheric particulate matter, 1970--1975

Trace metals, introduced into the Connecticut environment from fuel combustion, incineration and industrial emission sources, are causing great concern to health officials. Several metals in urban air, including cadmium, lead and vanadium are potential health hazards.;This paper reports the levels in micrograms per cubic meter of trace metals in Connecticut towns and cities. Cadmium, lead and vanadium are discussed by sections, generally separated into the four air quality regions. Section One represents the central industrial area, Section Two is the urban-vehicular populated area, Section Three is the rural northeastern area and Section Four is the rural western area.;The data indicates a general improvement in our Connecticut air with respect to these pollutants, except for lead. Several conclusions can be drawn: there is a general improvement of the Connecticut air with respect to suspended particulates; there is a fair amount of progress in the industrial areas; there is no significant progress in our vehicular lead emissions; and there is no evidence of other states (such as New York) contributing to this type of pollution.;Atmospheric suspended particulate matter is collected on fiber glass filters and extracted. The composite extracts are analyzed quarterly using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.