Particulates

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Particle pollution (also called particulate matter or PM) is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small, they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Some particles, known as primary particles are emitted directly from a source, such as building sites, unpaved roads, fields, chimneys or fires. Others form in complicated reactions in the atmosphere from chemicals such as sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power stations, factories and cars. These particles, known as secondary particles, make up most of the fine particle pollution in the country.

Particle pollution - especially fine particles - contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing, for example;
• decreased lung function;
• aggravated asthma;
• development of chronic bronchitis;
• irregular heartbeat;
• non-fatal heart attacks; and
• premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution