How to Reduce Particulate Matter?
We can reduce particulate matter by reducing usage of particulate mater forming appliances, Avoid burning, quit indoor smoking, walk instead of vehicle, using solar energy, regular maintaining vehicle etc.
Particulate matter is one of the most important and dangerous air pollutant present in the air along with harmful gases, chemicals, smoke particles, etc. Air quality is determined by studying air pollutants present in air which is called as Air Quality Testing.
It can be affected by amount of air pollutants present in atmosphere, weather, temperature etc.
How To Reduce Particulate Matter?
- We can reduce the usage of Household products which create particulate matter
- Not to burn wood, leaves or any yard waste
- Stop smoking especially indoor
- Diesel vehicles are major source of particle pollution, it can be reduced by replacing older engines with new engines
- Walk, cycle or use public transport or share vehicle wherever possible
- Pay attention to your maintenance of your vehicle to reduce particulate matter
- Use Indoor Air purifiers to reduce particulate matter in homes and offices
- Conserve energy by using solar energy, bio-gas, rainwater harvesting etc. to control pollution from particulate matter
Together we can reduce Particle pollution to make Earth better place for next generation.
Also you will like How to reduce air pollution from factories.
What is Particulate matter?
Particulate matter (PM) refers to small and medium solid or liquid particles present is atmosphere. Particulate matter is consists of organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust also.
Smaller the particle it is more hazardous, as it can go deeper in lungs which has diameter less than 2.5 micrometers. Particles between 2.5 to 10 micrometers are less harmful as they tend to stay in nose and throat.
What does PM10 Mean?
PM10 is Particulate matter particles having size between 2.5 to 10 micrometer. (imagine 25 to 100 times thinner than human hair.) We call it as PM10 means Particulate Matter upto 10 micrometers in size. PM10 are less harmful than PM2.5 because their larger size they cannot travel farther and can not go deep into lungs.
You will also like to read about Sources and Types of Indoor air pollution
What causes Particle Pollution?
Any type of burning or combustion leads to particle pollution. It can be also generated during construction, unpaved roads, fields etc.
Also these particles emitted from automobiles, industries and tobacco smoke etc.
How dangerous is Particulate Matter to us?
Particulate matter are considered as greatest concern causing human health problems. As mentioned before small particles i.e. less as 2.5 micrometers can go to our lungs and some may get into our bloodstream.
Long term exposure to particulate matter invites heart and lung problems. Also studies have shown that it harms most likely to children and older adults.
Particulate matter exposure can be linked to below mentioned health issues:
- Increased respiratory symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, coughing and irritation etc.
- Decreased lung capacity
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Heartbeat irregularization
- Heart attacks
- And Most importantly Premature Death
Do you Know How to Measure Particulate matter in Atmosphere?
Reduced Visibility due to particulate matter:
They can reduce Visibility when they are present in atmosphere in large quantity.
Other Hazards
They can be carried over long distance and settling on wrong surface such as lakes, forests, crops, Soil, stones can prone to damage. E.g. acid rains
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