"Particulates or atmospheric particulate matter (see below for other names) are microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air."
Small particles in the air that can have adverse health effects, including respiratory problems.
Introduction to Particulate Matter: This topic covers the basics of particulate matter, including its sources, types, and sizes.
Atmospheric Chemistry: This topic focuses on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, including the gases and particles present.
Air quality and Health Effects: This topic covers the negative impacts of particulate matter on human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Sampling and Measurement of Particulate Matter: This topic covers the different techniques used to measure and monitor particulate matter in the atmosphere.
Sources and Emissions of Particulate Matter: This topic covers the various sources of particulate matter, including natural, industrial, and transportation-related sources.
Modeling and Simulation of Particulate Matter: This topic covers the use of computer models to simulate and predict the behavior of particulate matter in the atmosphere.
Global and Regional Impact of Particulate Matter: This topic covers the impact of particulate matter on global and regional climate and weather patterns.
Mitigation Strategies for Particulate Matter: This topic covers the various strategies that can be used to reduce particulate matter emissions, including regulations, technology improvements, and public awareness campaigns.
Indoor Air Pollution: This topic covers the sources and impacts of particulate matter in indoor environments, including homes and workplaces.
Aerosol Physics and Chemistry: This topic covers the physical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions with the atmosphere.
PM1: Particles with a diameter of less than 1 micrometer. These particles are often produced from combustion sources and are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems.
PM2.5: Particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. These particles are also produced from combustion sources and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
PM10: Particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers. These particles can come from a variety of sources including dust, construction, and combustion sources. They can cause respiratory problems and aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Ultrafine particles: Particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers. These particles are produced from vehicle exhaust, power plants, and other combustion sources. They are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to adverse health effects.
Black carbon: A type of particle produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is a major component of soot and is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Organic carbon: A type of particle composed of carbon-containing compounds. It is produced from a variety of sources including biomass burning, vehicle exhaust, and cooking. Organic carbon can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Nitrate: A type of particle composed of nitrogen-containing compounds. It is produced from vehicle exhaust and other combustion sources. Nitrate can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Sulfate: A type of particle composed of sulfur-containing compounds. It is produced from combustion sources and can contribute to respiratory problems and acid rain.
Mineral particles: Particles composed of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. They are often produced from construction activities or natural sources such as dust storms. Mineral particles can cause respiratory problems and contribute to lung disease.
Sea salt: Particles composed of salt from the ocean. They are produced from sea spray and can contribute to respiratory problems in coastal areas.
"The term aerosol commonly refers to the particulate/air mixture, as opposed to the particulate matter alone."
"Sources of particulate matter can be natural or anthropogenic."
"They have impacts on climate and precipitation."
"...adversely affect human health, in ways additional to direct inhalation."
"Types of atmospheric particles include suspended particulate matter; thoracic and respirable particles; inhalable coarse particles, designated PM10... fine particles, designated PM2.5... ultrafine particles... and soot."
"Coarse particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers (μm) or less; fine particles, designated as PM10."
"Fine particles, designated PM2.5, with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less."
"Ultrafine particles, with a diameter of 100 nm or less."
"The IARC and WHO designate airborne particulates as a Group 1 carcinogen."
"Particulates are the most harmful form (other than ultra-fines) of air pollution due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and brain from blood streams, causing health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, and premature death."
"In 2013, a study involving 312,944 people in nine European countries revealed that there was no safe level of particulates and that for every increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM10, the lung cancer rate rose 22%."
"The smaller PM2.5, which can penetrate deeper into the lungs, were associated with an 18% increase in lung cancer per 5 μg/m3."
"Worldwide, exposure to PM2.5 contributed to 4.1 million deaths from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic lung disease, and respiratory infections in 2016."
"Overall, ambient particulate matter ranks as the sixth leading risk factor for premature death globally."