The effects of particulates are indeed complicated.
To the point that there is dispute whether they have a net warming effect, or a net cooling effect.
Soot in particular is a wonderfull absorber of radiant energy and emits heat. It does not reflect much heat away from the earth. To the extent that e from the sun hits soot rather than cloud or ice, soot adds to atmospheric warming.
Soot settles out to land on the ground as well. It is a proven cause of ice melt. It may have a role in the melting of the various ice shelfs.