Particulates and sulfur dioxide are pollutants produced when some fuels burn. What is the polluting effect of particulates?

Particulates, which are fine particles of solids like soot (carbon), are released during the incomplete combustion of fuels. When suspended in the atmosphere, these particles can reflect sunlight back into space. This reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to a cooling effect known as global dimming. They can also cause respiratory problems in humans.