Various fundamental and applied aspects of pressurized atomization are discussed. The graphite furnaces are shown to be non-isobar in space and time. This is determined by the non-isothermality in space and time. Volatile and non-volatile forms of the same element are shown to be influenced differently by pressure. The ashing temperature used also influences the behaviour of analytes vis à vis atomization pressure. It is suggested that furnace designs that avoid high pressures within the furnace during atomization may lead to an enhancement of sensitivity, at least in the case of volatile elements. The use of matrix modifiers may change the spectral conditions by altering the shape and profile of spectral lines. Our discussion refers only to the case when line sources of radiation are used.