Particulate matter
Particulate Matter
Particulate Matter (pronunciation: pahr-tik-yuh-lit mat-er), often abbreviated as PM, is a term used to describe a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
Etymology
The term "Particulate Matter" originates from the Latin word "particula", meaning a small part, and the English word "matter", which refers to physical substance in general.
Related Terms
- Air Pollution: The presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
- Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas.
- Smog: Fog or haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants.
- Respirable Particles: These are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, which can be inhaled into the respiratory system.
Health Effects
Exposure to particulate matter can have adverse health effects. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. Health effects can include Asthma, Lung Cancer, cardiovascular issues, and premature death.
Measurement and Standards
Particulate matter is typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines for maximum allowable concentrations of particulate matter in the air.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Particulate matter
- Wikipedia's article - Particulate matter
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