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The global distribution of linear and cyclic volatile methyl silxoanes (VMS) was investigated at 20 sites worldwide, including 5 locations in the Arctic, using sorbent-impregnated polyurethane foam (SIP) disk passive air samplers. Cyclic VMS are currently being considered for regulation because they are high production volume chemicals that are potentially persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Linear and cyclic VMS (including L3, L4, L5, D3, D4, D5, and D6) were analyzed for in air at all urban, background, and Arctic sites. Concentrations of D3 and D4 are significantly correlated, as are D5 and D6, which suggests different sources for these two pairs of compounds. Elevated concentrations of D3 and D4 on the West coast of North America and at high elevation sites suggest these sites are influenced by trans-Pacific transport, while D5 and D6 have elevated concentrations in urban areas, which is most likely due to …