The levels of total suspended particles and airborne particulate trace metals were determined in three locations. Two of these locations are in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, where the main source of pollution is vehicular traffic. The remaining location is in a suburban area characterized by industrial and vehicular emissions, as well as natural input. Enrichment factors found in the downtown area for Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were in the interval 21-3237, indicating an important contribution of anthropogenic sources. In the suburban area, Zn levels were unusually high (596.8-5475.4 ng m(-3)) and may be attributed to the proximity of a company that produces lubricants and lubricant additives.