Episode 10: What Is Particulate Matter?

So tiny you can't see it, particulate matter is the most harmful air pollutant on our planet. Much smaller than a grain of sand, and capable of causing short and long-term harm, particulate matter is usually the cause for most air quality advisories/warnings.

In this episode, we explore what particulate matter is, where it comes from, and what you can do to protect yourself from it.

Transcript

Hey everyone and welcome back! This is episode ten, woohoo! My name is Carmen, I am a science educator in Brooklyn, NY and I am your host. The goal of this podcast is to provide you with science-based information about air quality issues so that you have the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your family. I highly recommend visiting past episodes to gain a wider understanding of our topic. At the time of recording this episode, the temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit, which is roughly 28 Celcius. Our AQI right now is 128. Yes, one hundred twenty-weight. We are experiencing air pollution from various wildfires over in Canada, which has created hazy skies due to particulate matter, which happens to be the topic of this podcast episode.



Imagine holding a grain of sand in your hand. Now, imagine something 30 times smaller than that floating in the air around you, completely invisible to the naked eye but capable of entering your lungs, your bloodstream, and even your brain. This is particulate matter, or PM, one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution on our planet. It’s tiny, but it has a massive impact on our health, air quality, and the climate.

So, what exactly is particulate matter? Where does it come from? And how can you protect yourself from breathing in these harmful particles? 

PM, or particulate matter refers to a complex mixture of tiny bits of solids and liquids that are suspended in the air. Basically stuff. And you breathe it in pretty regularly. Not only is particulate matter teeny tiny, we have specific  measurements to let you know just how small we’re talking about.

PM10 are particles that are 10 microns or smaller. This includes construction dust, pollen, and mold spores. PM10 can be visible to the naked eye, particularly when it settles on surfaces and you can see it like a film. PM2.5, which is what we’re dealing with due to wildfire smoke, are particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller, so now we’re talking much, much smaller particles. Examples of PM2.5 include combustion particles, organic compounds, and even metals that make it into the air.


Ultrafine particles are even smaller than PM2.5, and these can more easily enter the bloodstream. Exposure to ultrafine particles occurs during active wildfire smoke, and are emitted through diesel exhaust and vehicle emissions.


Now that we know what particulate matter is, it’s important to note that there are both natural and human-made sources of PM. Natural sources include wildfires, dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and sea spray. Human-made sources include industrial processes such as those taking place at factories, coal or wood burning for cooking, and cigarettes. Regardless of the source, particulate matter is bad news for people and pets, and each has different consequences.


PM10, the larger of the particulate matter, can cause irritation, coughing, and in some cases, respiratory infections. Much smaller in size, PM2.5 can enter the deepest parts of the lungs, triggering inflammation and worsening existing health conditions like asthma and COPD. PM2.5 can also enter the bloodstream, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, the consequences don’t end there. Research suggests that long-term exposure to particulate matter can affect the brain and impact cognitive function. It may even contribute to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

To understand how the air is doing, the Air Quality Index (AQI) measures PM levels to indicate health risks. When there’s a lot of particulate matter present, air quality sensors can measure this and provide an AQI number that corresponds with the national color-coded system. You can learn more about the AQI in a previous episode of this podcast.


Government agencies like the EPA have the AirNow app which provides AQI data that is available for free through their site. Interested in hyper-local information? Low-cost air quality monitors like PurpleAir are popular in communities and provide invaluable information on how the air is doing. Laser sensors in a compact machine measure how the air is doing and report back live and onto the online map.


I highly recommend checking out the previous podcast episodes and informing yourself on the basics of air quality and how it affects you. Staying informed on how the air is doing helps you make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Bad air quality day? Maybe limit your outdoor activity or modify strenuous outdoor activities as needed.

A great way to remove PM2.5 from your indoor environment is to use a MERV-13 or HEPA filter. This level of filtration traps even the tiniest of particles, removing them from the air for you. Depending on your budget at the time, investing in an air purifier to address particulate matter concerns may not be a priority. In that case, consider DIY options like the Corsi-Rosenthal box for an affordable solution. In episode 8 of this podcast, we cover the basics of a Corsi-Rosenthal box in a bit more detail.


Of course, one of the best ways to address indoor air pollution concerns is to reduce the sources of the pollution. This includes avoiding smoking indoors, limiting the use of candles, or air fresheners, and sometimes it can be as simple as closing the windows to prevent polluted air from coming inside.

On a larger scale, we do need to address particulate matter pollution through policy and community action. This means supporting legislation that reduces the emission of air pollution. This can be advocating for cleaner energy or improved vehicle emissions standards. In your community, advocating for urban green spaces and supporting tree-planting efforts are helpful ways that you can have a positive impact on this growing issue.

Of course, personal choices matter too. By reducing car use, opting for public transportation, conserving energy, and being mindful on how you heat and cool your home, you’ll already be playing an important role.

The great takeaway from this episode is that every breath counts. Particulate matter may be invisible, but its damaging effects are undeniable. By understanding what particulate matter is, where it comes from, and how to protect yourself, you can take meaningful steps to safeguard your health and contribute to cleaner air for us all.



Thanks again for tuning in! Please help get the word out about the importance of clean air by sharing this podcast with a friend or family member. Special shout-out to our listeners in Egypt, Australia, Forth Worth Texas, and Beaverton Oregon. Until next time, breathe easy and don’t forget that we all breathe the same air, we’re very much still in this together. This is Ms. Carmen signing off.