Disclaimer

This app does not collect, save or track any personal data from its users.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Also known as atmospheric particulates or particle pollution, refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles can be extremely small and are classified based on their diameter:

1. Fine Particles (PM2.5): These particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (μm) or less. They are often referred to as inhalable fine particles because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 includes dust, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets from combustion processes, vehicles, industrial activities, and other sources.
2. Coarse Particles (PM10): These particles have a diameter of 10 μm or less but are larger than PM2.5. They include ash, pollen, spores, and soot. While they can still be harmful to health, they tend to settle near the ground more quickly than finer particles.

Sources of Particulate Matter

• Industrial Emissions: Factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities release particulates into the air through their operations.
• Motor Vehicle Exhaust: Cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles emit exhaust that contains fine particles.
• Construction Sites: Dust from construction activities can contribute to increased levels of PM.
• Agricultural Activities: Combustion of crop residue, dust from fields, and pesticide application can also add to particulate pollution.
• Natural Sources: Forest fires, dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and sea spray are natural sources of particulates.

Health Impacts

Exposure to high levels of PM is associated with a variety of health problems:

• Respiratory issues: Asthma attacks, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Cardiovascular effects: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Other health impacts: Premature death, decreased lung function in children, eye irritation, and more.

Air Quality Standards

As mentioned earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daily average concentration of 25 μg/m³ for PM2.5 to minimize risks to human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) with a limit of 12 μg/m³ as an annual average and up to 35 μg/m³ over a 24-hour period.

Monitoring and Mitigation

Continuous monitoring of PM levels is crucial for public health. Various methods are used, including ground-based sensors, satellite imagery, and air filtration techniques. Governments and organizations implement policies to reduce emissions from industrial sources, promote cleaner transportation, and enforce regulations on construction activities to mitigate particulate pollution.

Understanding and addressing the sources of particulate matter is essential for improving air quality and protecting public health.

Labels

The labels displayed on the map represent PM_2.5 concentrations. Additional details can be viewed in the information dialog by clicking on a location.

The values are based on the European Air Quality Index (EAQI) published here by the European Environment Agency. Other agencies may publish modified versions of this index to reflect regional methodologies or policy considerations.

Credits:

• sensor.community
• openstreetmap.org
• leafletjs.com