Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate Matter is air pollution that is made up of very small solid particles and liquid droplets. The solid particles include carbon compounds formed from fuel combustion (I.E. diesel, gasoline, wood, coal, etc.), pollen, and dust from roadways, agriculture or construction activity. The liquid droplets are made from secondary reactions in the air and are usually nitrogen, sulfur or ammonia based compounds.

When we discuss particulate matter, we are mainly talking about two types of particulate matter: PM10 (coarse particles) and PM2.5 (fine particles). Coarse particulate is particulate matter 2.5 microns to 10 microns in size. Fine particulate is particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size. Coarse particulate can be deposited into the lungs. The fine particles are so small that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream where they can reach other organs, such as the heart.

How can particle pollution affect you? - Fine and coarse particles can cause a variety of serious health problems. When exposed to these particles, people with heart or lung diseases and older adults are more at risk of hospital and emergency room visits or, in some cases, even death. These effects have been associated with short-term exposures lasting 24 hours or less. Long-term exposures of a year or more have been linked to the development of lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis.

Particles can aggravate heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. If you have heart disease, particles may cause you to experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue. Particles have also been associated with cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks.

Particles can aggravate lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, causing increased medication use and doctor visits. If you have lung disease, and you are exposed to particles, you may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal. You may have respiratory symptoms including coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. You also may experience these symptoms even if you're healthy, although you are unlikely to experience more serious effects. Particles can also increase your susceptibility to respiratory infections.

How can you reduce your exposure to particles? - Air pollution levels can vary throughout the day. Your local air quality forecast can tell you when particle levels are high in your area. You can reduce your exposure to particles by 1) planning strenuous activity when particle levels are forecast to be lower, 2) reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity, or 3) choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog).

When particle levels are high outdoors, they also can be high indoors. Certain filters and room air cleaners are available that can help reduce particles indoors. You also can reduce particles indoors by eliminating tobacco smoke and reducing your use of candles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

What are Sources of Particulate Matter (Particle Pollution)?

Particle Pollution Resources:

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