Atmospheric amines – Part I. A review

Amines are emitted by a wide range of sources and are ubiquitous atmospheric organic bases. Approximately 150 amines and about 30 amino acids have been identified in the atmosphere. We review the present knowledge of atmospherically relevant amines with respect to their sources, fluxes, and dynamics including gas-phase reactions, gas-to-particle conversion and deposition. The health effects of aliphatic and aromatic amines are briefly summarized as well as the atmospheric occurrence and reactivity of amino acids and urea.

Research highlights
► 154 amines, 32 amino acids and urea have been identified in the atmosphere.
► Sources, fluxes, and dynamics of atmospheric amines and amino acids are reviewed.
► Health effects of aliphatic and aromatic amines are briefly summarized.