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Primary Particle Matter Components

Primary particle matter is made up of organic substances mixed with minuscule drops of liquid forming particle pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals and soil or dust particles." Particle matter comes in varying sizes, each having their own health effects.

  1. Coarse Particle Matter

    • Coarse particulate matter is made of particles that are 2.5 to 10 micrometers wide. Coarse particle matter can be particles of dust, dirt, sand, pollen, fungi and vehicle pollutants such as tire rubber. Frequent exposure to coarse particle matter can lead to increased likelihood of cardiac and respiratory episodes. Specific coarse particles can cause inflammation and oxidative damage.

    Fine Particle Matter

    • Fine particle matter consists of particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Fine particulate matter is mostly made of heavy metals and toxic compounds created by vehicles, fires and metal smelting and purifying. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deeper into the lungs because of its small size, making it more dangerous. Frequent exposure to fine particle matter results in breathing problems, lung diseases like asthma, and lung damage. It's been linked to heart disease and lung cancer.

    Monitoring Air Quality

    • Air pollution is monitored, especially in larger cities, and reported via the air quality index, or AQI. The Environmental Protection Agency evaluates AQI based on pollutants including particle matter. The AQI is given a number between 0 and 500, with 500 being the most polluted air. Each level of the AQI is color coded and represents a different level of health effects that the day's pollution can have on you.

    Precautions

    • If you suffer from breathing problems, monitoring the AQI is very important for your health, but there are other precautions you can take. When AQI levels are high, stay inside if you can. If you must go out, be outdoors as little as possible. Exercising during high AQI levels should be avoided; heavy breathing during exercise allows particle matter to go deep into your lungs. Wear a particle filtering mask if you must spend extended periods of time outside.

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