The article examines the environmental impact of ferrous metallurgy waste, with particular emphasis on its contribution to the formation of the fine particulate fraction PM10. The analysis shows that dispersed materials generated during waste handling participate in the formation of stable aerosol structures, the role of which has long been underestimated due to fragmented data and limitations in monitoring. Previously unrecognized mechanisms of metal-containing particles contributing to the overall aerosol load were identified. Based on the synthesized information, a methodological approach is proposed that enables a new perspective on assessing the influence of metallurgical waste on ambient air quality.

Keywords: fine particulate matter, PM10, metallurgical waste, dust formation, aerosol load, metal-containing aerosols, technogenic impact, ambient air quality, secondary resuspension, environmental monitoring, assessment methodology