Articles | Volume 25, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-13007-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-13007-2025
Research article
 | 
20 Oct 2025
Research article |  | 20 Oct 2025

Different response characteristics of ambient hazardous trace metals and health impacts to global emission reduction

Wenwen Sun, Xing Liu, and Rui Li

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Cited articles

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Chang, Y., Huang, R. J., Ge, X., Huang, X., Hu, J., Duan, Y., Zou, Z., Liu, X., and Lehmann, M. F.: Puzzling haze events in China during the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown, Geophys. Res. Lett., 47, e2020GL088533, 2020. 
Cheng, K., Wang, Y., Tian, H., Gao, X., Zhang, Y., Wu, X., Zhu, C., and Gao, J.: Atmospheric emission characteristics and control policies of five precedent-controlled toxic heavy metals from anthropogenic sources in China, Environ., Sci., Technol., 49, 1206–1214, 2015. 
da Fonseca, E. M., Nattrass, N., Lazaro, L. L. B., and Bastos, F. I.: Political discourse, denialism and leadership failure in Brazil's response to COVID-19, Glob. Public Health, 16, 1251–1266, 2021. 
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Short summary
We predicted global variations in atmospheric nine hazardous trace metal levels and assess their responses to COVID-19 lockdown measures. The rise in Pb and Zn concentrations during lockdowns was primarily linked to sustained coal combustion and non-ferrous smelting activities. The reduced emissions of Pb and As during the lockdown period yielded the greatest health benefits. Targeting fossil fuel combustion should be prioritized in Pb and As mitigation strategies.
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