Emission of toxic metals into the atmosphere and their accumulation in the surface layer of the Earth

Natural emissions of metals and certain metalloids into the atmosphere are compared with anthropogenic emissions. The physico-chemical properties of metal-containing aerosols are discussed from the standpoint of the danger of environmental pollution and the distances to which these metals get dispersed in the atmosphere. The results of pollution of objects in the environment with metals on local, regional, and global levels are analysed. An assessment is made of the likely future pollution of the soil with metals.
The bibliography includes 221 references.