Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
ACP
Articles | Volume 26, issue 7
Articles | Volume 26, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-5005-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-5005-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 26, issue 7
Research article
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16 Apr 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 16 Apr 2026

Widespread occurrence of large molecular methylsiloxanes in ambient aerosols

Peng Yao, Rupert Holzinger, Beatriz Sayuri Oyama, Agne Masalaite, Dipayan Paul, Haiyan Ni, Hanne Noto, Dušan Materić, Maria de Fátima Andrade, Ru-Jin Huang, and Ulrike Dusek

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Editorial statement
In recent years, there has been much interest in the extent and effects of synthetic chemicals on the environment. This work presents a novel technique used for the study of methylsiloxanes in atmospheric aerosol, a less well studied class of molecules used in lubricants, among other applications. The evidence presented shows they are present in the atmosphere at a surprisingly wide variety of scales.
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Short summary
We identify a previously unrecognized class of synthetic organic compounds, large molecular methylsiloxanes, in ambient aerosols across diverse environments in three countries. These compounds are present at substantial levels, primarily originating from traffic emissions related to engine lubrication. Their high abundance and significant daily human exposure suggest potential, yet still poorly understood, implications for both health and climate.
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