Difference between revisions of "PM2.5"
imported>Ciic |
imported>Ciic |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | [[file:PM.JPEG|thumb| | + | [[file:PM.JPEG|thumb|250px|Thick smog engulfs Beijing].] |
Particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. PM2.5 particles are air pollutants with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, small enough to invade even the smallest airways. | Particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. PM2.5 particles are air pollutants with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, small enough to invade even the smallest airways. | ||
Revision as of 01:41, 14 January 2013
[[file:PM.JPEG|thumb|250px|Thick smog engulfs Beijing].] Particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. PM2.5 particles are air pollutants with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, small enough to invade even the smallest airways.
Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose a health concern because they can be inhaled into and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) are referred to as "fine" particles and are believed to pose the greatest health risks. Because of their small size (approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair), fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs.
These particles generally come from activities that burn fossil fuels, such as traffic, smelting, and metal processing.
