The occurrence of organic chemicals in the atmosphere of The Netherlands

In this paper concentration levels of various classes of organic chemicals in The Netherlands are reported for the base year 1980. From these levels the average intake of the Dutch population by inhalation was calculated to be approximately 1.5 g year-1. This gives reason for concern because many of the compounds either seem to exhibit carcinogenic properties or are suspected human carcinogens. Apart from (photo)chemical reactions, dry deposition seems to be an important way by which these chemicals are removed from the atmosphere. Although the deposition velocity of many organic chemicals is not well established or is completely unknown we have estimated the yearly deposition in The Netherlands to be approximately 89 000 t.