Since the implementation of catalysts containing platinum-group-elements (PGE) for the control of vehicle emissions in 1975, a controversial discussion has begun on PGE emissions & eventual consequences for the environment. However, a comprehensive overview of the various works & results in different scientific areas is still lacking. This book covers all aspects of anthropogenic PGE emissions & their consequences for man & environment. The interdisciplinary approach is substantiated by contributions from the fields of environmental geosciences, analytical chemistry, biology & occupational medicine. The articles mirror the actual status of scientific work & discuss environmentally related topics. Modern analytical methods for various environmental matrices as well as models of the current & future geochemical behaviour of PGE in the environment are presented. Bioavailability & toxicological & allergic potentials are discussed.