Dimethyl and Monomethyl Sulfate: Presence in Coal Fly Ash and Airborne Particulate Matter

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfate and its hydrolysis product monomethyl sulfate have been found at concentrations as high as 830 parts per million in fly ash and in airborne particulate matter from coal combustion processes. This discovery poses a new environmental problem because of the mutagenic and carcinogenic properties of these compounds.