How is particulate matter produced

PM 10 includes fine particles as well as coarse particles that range in size from 2. The coarse particles tend to stay in the upper parts of our respiratory tract, such as the nose and throat. Particulate matter can be produced from burning materials, road dust, construction and agriculture. One of the largest sources of particulate matter in B. Wood smoke may come from residential sources such as a fireplace or wood stove in a home, all open burning of vegetative matter or backyard burning.

Other sources of particulate matter include forest fires, certain industries, furnaces, tobacco smoke and all mobile vehicles, especially those with diesel engines. The harmful effects of tobacco smoke are well known. As a result, many B. Particulate matter is considered the air pollutant of greatest concern to the health of the B.

Research has shown that exposure to PM can lead to increased days lost from work or school, emergency room visits, hospital stays and deaths. Particles of sand and large dust, which are larger than 10 micrometers, are not regulated by EPA. Learn about how air quality standards help reduce PM. AirNow : Every day the Air Quality Index AQI tells you how clean or polluted your outdoor air is, along with associated health effects that may be of concern.

The AQI translates air quality data into numbers and colors that help people understand when to take action to protect their health. Skip to main content. Particulate Matter PM Pollution. EPA is concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects.

EPA groups particle pollution into two categories:. Be sure to let your doctor know if the symptoms get worse or last longer than usual. Start by learning about the Air Quality Index from the U. You can use the AQI as a tool to help you avoid particle pollution. For example:. For more tools to help you learn about air quality, visit Tracking Air Quality.

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