Particulate Matter Air Pollution

There’s Even More You Should Know About Particulate Matter

What is Particulate Matter?

Particulate matter air pollution consists of complex and varying mixtures of particles suspended in the air we breathe. Particles are present everywhere, but high concentrations and/or specific types of particles have been found to present a serious danger to human health. Of greatest concern to public health are the particles small enough to be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lung. These small particles are known as PM10 (less than 10 microns in diameter) and even finer particles are known as PM2.5 (less than 2.5 microns in diameter). For comparison, a human hair is about 75 microns in diameter.

Particulate matter is a combination of fine solids such as dirt, soil dust, pollens, molds, ashes, and soot; and aerosols that are formed in the atmosphere from gaseous combustion by-products such as volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Particulate matter air pollution comes from such diverse sources as motor vehicles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, construction activity, agriculture, industrial smokestacks, wildfires and other burn activity, and windblown dust from open lands.

Particulate Matter and Health

Particulate matter air pollution is among the most harmful of all air pollutants. When inhaled, these particles evade the respiratory system’s natural defenses and lodge deep in the lungs. Particulate matter is especially harmful to people with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as people with heart disease. Exposure to particulate air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways.

Recent research has also linked exposure to relatively low concentrations of particulate matter with premature death. Those at greatest risk are the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart disease.

Particles of special concern to the protection of lung health are PM 2.5. These are known as fine particles and mainly come from motor vehicle exhaust. Fine particles are easily inhaled deeply into the lungs where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream or remain embedded for long periods of time. A recent study showed a 17 percent increase in mortality risk in areas with higher concentrations of small particles.

Particulate Matter in California

The American Lung Association of California is supporting the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) proposal to adopt more stringent ambient air quality standards for PM10 and establish new standards for PM2.5 when CARB reviews the PM standards. CARB is required to evaluate and revise the health-based standards under the Children’s Environmental Health Protection Act.

California’s air quality standards for particulate matter are in critical need of updating based on hundreds of studies published in the last decade showing associations between particulate matter air pollution and illness, emergency room visits, hospitalization and premature death at levels well below the current standard.

The benefit assessments in CARB’s staff report under the stricter particulate matter standards project a reduction of 6,500 cases of premature death each year in California. It also estimates a reduction of 600 annual hospitalizations for COPD, 900 for pneumonia, 1,500 for cardiovascular disease, and 500 for asthma. Among children ages 7 to 14, attainment of a new PM2.5 standard would result in about 209,000 fewer days of lower respiratory symptoms every year. These are extremely important health benefits for the people of California, and represent the serious toll to public health if the standards are not strengthened.

CARB is expected to rule on the particulate matter standard in June 2002.

There's Even More You Should Know About Diesel - Spring/Summer 2002 Links:

Five Local Governments Commit to Purchase Cleaner Vehicles -- American Lung Association of California Pushes for More
-- Statewide Campaign Raises Awareness about Diesel Exhaust, Particulate Matter and Cleaner Alternatives during Clean Air Month
(News Release -- May 15, 2002)

Print Ads: There’s Even More You Should Know About Diesel
View or Download Ads

There’s Even More You Should Know About Clearing the Air
(Clean Air Tips)

Reduce Air Pollution and Get Your Reduced Rental Rate or Purchase Price for an Electric, Natural Gas or Hybrid Car Now!

California Air District Resource Directory
2002

There’s Even More You Should Know About Diesel
Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel Fuel

Particulate Matter Air Pollution - There’s Even More You Should Know About Particulate Matter

Public Health and Diesel
Fact Sheet

Renewable Energy - There’s Even More You Should Know About Renewable Energy

There’s Even More You Should Know About Smart Growth, Urban Sprawl, Air Quality and Health
Fact Sheet

Clean Air Month 2002 Proclamation
Sample Proclamation for California Cities & Counties

Milestones in Air Pollution History
American Lung Association Timeline

Cleaner Fuels -- There’s Even More You Should Know About Cleaner Vehicles

Environmental Justice
Fact Sheet

Position Statement: Reducing Public Exposure To Diesel Emissions From Heavy Duty Vehicles

Green Diesel: Fact or Fiction? Reducing Toxic Soot from Trucks and Buses
(Backgrounder from Natural Resources Defense Council and Coalition for Clean Air)

From Breathe Easy Magazine, Spring/Summer 2002:

Cover Story: Smog and Your Lungs

Public Policy Update: Association Works to Reduce Diesel Exhaust