What is Particulate matter (PM)
Definition and principal
PM is a common proxy indicator for air pollution. It affects more people than any other pollutant.
The major components of PM are sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.
It consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air.
While particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less, (≤ PM10) can penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs, the even more health-damaging particles are those with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, (≤ PM2.5).
PM2.5 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system. Chronic exposure to particles contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as of lung cancer.
Air quality measurements are typically reported in terms of daily or annual mean concentrations of PM10 particles per cubic meter of air volume (m3).
Routine air quality measurements typically describe such PM concentrations in terms of micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3).
When sufficiently sensitive measurement tools are available, concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5 or smaller), are also reported
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