Particulate
Particulate
Particulate (/pɑːˈtɪkjʊlɪt, -ˌleɪt/), also known as particulate matter or PM, refers to the microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere. The term is derived from the Latin word 'particula', meaning a small part.
Types of Particulates
Particulates can be classified into two main types:
- Primary Particulates: These are directly emitted into the atmosphere from sources such as combustion processes, dust, and pollen.
- Secondary Particulates: These are formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Health Effects
Exposure to particulates can have various health effects, especially on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Some of the health conditions associated with particulate exposure include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and heart disease.
Measurement and Regulation
The concentration of particulates in the atmosphere is typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Various regulatory bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have set guidelines and standards for particulate concentrations to protect public health.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Particulate
- Wikipedia's article - Particulate
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