Particulate matter: importance and health effects

Atmospheric particulate matterAtmospheric particulate matter are microscopic elements suspended in the air, consisting of solid and liquid substances. They have a wide range of sizes an...
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are microscopic elements suspended in the air, consisting of solid and liquid substances. They have a wide range of sizes and are a mixture of substances of both organic and inorganic origin.

In addition to their natural origins, such as dust and pollen, particulate matter is the result of human activities. These include the burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities and agricultural processes.

The presence of suspended particles in the air we breathe plays a crucial role in its quality. They are referred to globally as Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP). They range in size from less than 10 micrometres or microns (µm) in diameter to several hundred micrometres.

They are harmful to health and alter the environment even when present in small quantities. They vary in composition and may contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals and toxic organic compounds.

Origin and classification

Although some atmospheric particulates are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, most are invisible to the human eye.

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Their primary origin is from specific emission sources such as fossil fuel combustion, industrial emissions, particularly from construction-related activities such as cement manufacture, waste incineration, combustion plants, power generation and vehicle exhaust. Other suspended particulates are formed by reactions with chemical substances present in the atmosphere, such as sulphur dioxideSulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas with a pungent odour that causes an irritating sensation similar to shortness of breath. Its origin is anthropoge...
Read more and nitrogen oxides.

 They are divided into three main groups: ultrafine, fine and coarse particles:

  • PM1: Ultrafine particles (PM1) are extremely small (less than 1 µm) and contribute hazardous chemical compounds to the air that, when inhaled, cause human health problems. Because of their light weight, they can remain in the air for long periods of time and travel long distances on the wind.
  • PM2.5: Similarly, fine particles known as PM2.5 are particularly harmful to health because they are mostly secondary particles formed in the atmosphere from gaseous precursors (nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, etc.) that react through chemical processes. PM2.5 particles are not only the most abundant in polluted air, but also have a tiny aerodynamic diameter (2.5 µm) or particle size, 100 times thinner than a human hair. 
  • PM10: Coarse particles (PM10) contain substances of the same origin as PM2.5 but larger (between 10 and 2.5 µm in diameter) and those emitted directly into the atmosphere by forest fires and volcanic emissions. They add to their composition a concentration of dust, soot, pollen and mould spores, among other substances.
  • TSP: Total Suspended Particulate Matter, records the origin of atmospheric particles. They can come from natural sources such as pollen, soil dust and volcanic ash. They can also come from anthropogenic sources, i.e. from human activities such as emissions from vehicles, industry, power stations and the burning of fossil fuels.

Particulate matter size classification - Kunak

The control and measurement of particulate matter (PM), as carried out by companies such as the mining company First Quantum Minerals or the cement company Cemex, is essential for health, since, regardless of its origin, it is essential to determine not only its concentration, but also its size, chemical composition, phase and morphology.

In this way, the presence of particles is regulated and the most harmful particles are identified: those capable of penetrating the respiratory tract and causing serious damage to public health, including premature death. The measurement of PM2.5 and PM10 is particularly important for compliance with the regulatory framework at industrial level. Their manufacturing processes pose a potential risk of PM emissions that affect health and the environment.

Health effects

PM1 and PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and from the alveoli into the bloodstream. They can cause a range of respiratory and cardiovascular problems and are even thought to be carcinogenic.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), airborne particles are responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide each year.

Coarse particles (PM10) also affect health, but are more difficult to penetrate the respiratory system. They are usually trapped in the nose and throat. They are expelled by physiological mechanisms such as sneezing, phlegm or coughing.

Particulate matter, which travels in global warming gases, causes 20% of premature deaths worldwide. (Rejón, R., 2021)

Health effects of air pollution - Kunak

Health effects of air pollution

Regulations and Monitoring

According to the WHO, “outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health risk affecting all people in low-, middle- and high-income countries”.

To ensure that mortality and health conditions associated with air pollution are reduced, the WHO has set limit values for the concentration of particulate matter, both in terms of daily exposure and annual values.

For PM2.5, it has set a daily average of 15 µg/m3 and an annual level of 5 µg/m3. For PM10, it has set a daily maximum of 45 µg/m3 and an annual maximum of 15 µg/m3.

Country/ Region PM2.5 (μg/m3) PM10 (μg/m3) No. of exceedances allowed per year
Yearly avg. Daily avg. (24-hour) Yearly avg. Daily avg (24-hour)
Australia 8 25 25 50 None
China 35 75 70 150 None
European Union 25 None 40 50 PM2.5: None; PM10: 35
Hong Kong 35 75 50 100 PM2.5: 9; PM10: 9
Japan 15 35 None 100 None
South Korea 15 35 50 100 None
Taiwan 15 35 50 100 None
United States 12 35 None 150 PM2.5: Not applicable; PM10: 1
World Health Organization 5 15 15 45

These guidelines serve as a reference for countries to adapt to their technical and economic possibilities and air quality management policies in order to achieve optimum air quality.

In order to know the characteristics of the air we breathe, it is necessary to determine the concentration of total suspended particulate matter (TSP). Depending on their correlation and the knowledge of the composition of the different sizes of suspended particles, control and quality measures can be implemented to promote clean air in any environment, especially in those that are a source of direct emissions of suspended particles, such as mining activities.

In turn, tests to analyse the composition and size of particulate matter in the air must be carried out meticulously using granular methods. They are designed to determine the concentration of atmospheric particles and the amount present in the air in each area. Furthermore, to obtain a correct measurement, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that the proportion and quantity of these particles can vary within a few metres of each other in the same place, due to the proximity of green areas, industries, roads with heavy traffic, etc.

Although most sources of air pollution are beyond the control of individuals, it is necessary to demand that our governments and local authorities comply with national and international regulations and laws to promote policies on the quality of the air we breathe that protect public health.

Reducing particulate matter in the air is achieved through the use of clean technologies in industry, clean energy in the home, sustainable transport, energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, and environmental monitoring.

Prevention in the home and workplace

Poor indoor air quality in homes and workplaces can not only aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but also cause eye irritation, sore throats, headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue.

To reduce the levels of particles in the home, it is important to clean thoroughly, use non-toxic and preferably environmentally friendly cleaning products, use air purifiers and air conditioners, and keep an eye on the condition of their filters. It is also important to ventilate properly every day to renew the air indoors and to avoid the use of synthetic building products and furnishings that release potentially harmful volatile organic compounds.

It is also important to keep our heating and cooking systems up to date, as poor combustion combined with poor ventilation can be deadly. Smoking indoors or using electronic cigarettes is not appropriate and having plants indoors helps to purify the air we enjoy in our homes and workplaces.

Environmental impact of particulate matter

Particulate matter also affects ecosystems by changing the composition of soils and the acidity of water. This contributes to acid rain, which damages biodiversity by disrupting vegetation growth and wildlife health.

Wind helps to disperse suspended particles over long distances (up to hundreds of kilometres) from their point of origin or chemical formation. As they fall to land and water, they alter the acidity of lakes and waterways. In turn, their presence causes changes in the nutrients present in the soil and in the water. They also damage forests and agricultural production.

Suspended particles contribute to the formation of acid rain, which has undesirable effects on ecosystems by altering the natural chemical balance of soil and water. For example, forests lose their foliage and their circulatory systems are weakened, and aquatic animals are often unable to survive in acidified waters, making them more vulnerable. Meanwhile, the acidification of the soil leads to a gradual loss of nutrients and an increase in elements that are toxic to plants, such as aluminium.

Particulate matter in the air can, in turn, change the climate by modifying temperature and rainfall patterns, reducing visibility (causing smogSmog, beyond that dense fog Smog is a mixture of air pollutantsAir pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. The air we breathe contains various harmful substances of a chemical, physical o...
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that accumulate in the atmosphere, especially in urban areas. This phenomenon is character...
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), and altering the incoming and reflected radiation that generally changes the weather patterns of a place.