Estimates from The World Health Organization suggest over 90% of the world’s population now breathes air containing harmful levels of pollutants. Poor air quality, including high levels of particulate matter, can lead to a range of respiratory complications, and lower life expectancy in heavily polluted regions. PM10 or less can penetrate the lungs, while PM2.5 or less can enter the bloodstream through the air-blood barrier in the lungs, making it a significant health concern. It is classified into different sizes, but only PM10 (particles of 10 micrometres or less - coarse) and PM2.5 (particles of 2.5 micrometres or less - fine) are routinely monitored.
Particulate matter affects more people than any other pollutant and comes in the form of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water. Particulate matter is created by a variety of natural and human processes, including volcanoes, agriculture, wildfires, vehicle exhausts and industrial processes. Tiny particles of liquid or solid matter suspended in the air are breathed in along with the gases we need to survive.
