The Environmental Protection Agency defines particulate matter or particulate pollution (PM) as a "complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets." It is made up of acids, organic chemicals, soil, dust and metals. The size of the particles is directly linked to their effects on health. The smaller the particle, the greater their impact on health as they can enter the lungs through the throat and nose more easily. The EPA categorizes particle pollution into 2 categories: "Inhalable coarse particles", which can be found near roadways and dusty areas, such as industrial parks, and are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter, and "fine particles", which are found in smoke and haze, and are smaller than 2.5 micrometers. These fine particles appear as a result of fires, when automobiles or industries emit gases, or as a result of power plants.
Numerous studies have found that exposure to particle pollution causes respiratory symptoms such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing, decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Children and older adults are more likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure.
The environmental effects of fine particle pollution include reduced visibility or haze in many national parks and wilderness areas, acidic waterways and depletion of soil nutrients, resulting in damage to forests and farm crops, thus affecting the diversity of ecosystems.
As shown on the map, AirNow.gov provides daily information on air quality locally, regionally and nationally.
(Photo credit: AIRNow.gov)
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