What is particulate matter?
Whether we see it or not, there’s plenty of not-air in our air. A big portion of those respirable substances are known as particulate pollution or particulate matter, and many of those particles come from sources we encounter — or create — every day.
Here’s all you need to know about the microscopic particles, where they come from, and how to manage them.
What is particulate matter?
At the most basic level, particulate matter is an umbrella term that describes a mixture of liquids and solids, from both human and natural origins, suspended in the atmosphere.
Are there different types of particulate matter?
Scientists classify particulate matter by size. They call particulate matter “coarse” or “PM10” if the particle has a diameter between 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. (For reference, a human hair is between 50 and 70 micrometers thick.) Dust and smoke are visible examples of PM10, but more than 90 percent of particulate matter isn’t visible to the naked eye.
We call these substances “fine particulate matter” or “PM2.5.” The particles have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which means they can only be seen underneath a microscope. Particles from smokeless heating fuels and road dust are two examples.
Where do PM2.5 and PM10 come from?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) divides particulate matter sources into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary particles come directly from a source, such as agriculture and construction sites. Secondary particles form when gases from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor. Primary particles tend to be coarse while secondary particles are fine.
What can particulate matter do to my health?
Quite a lot, unfortunately. Specifically, PM2.5 substances can travel deep into our lungs and reach the bloodstream. Numerous studies have linked particulate matter exposure to decreased lung function, respiratory symptoms like coughing and labored breathing, and even reduced life expectancy.
How much particulate matter is too much?
Though researchers haven’t been able to identify a threshold at which particulate matter begins to affect health, the EPA still has limits for public health. For PM10 and PM2.5, the 24-hour average cannot exceed 150 and 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air, respectively. If it does, local and state officials issue warnings to stay indoors, filter air, and drink water to dislodge harmful particles from our airways.
Is particulate matter also bad for the environment?
Cities, clogged with cars and peppered with construction sites and factories, typically have higher particulate matter concentrations than rural areas do. When these particles react with sunlight, they form haze, which can remain suspended in the air and travel for hundreds of miles. For instance, particle pollution in Los Angeles can migrate from Los Angeles all the way to The Grand Canyon.
Particulate matter also alters the nutrient and chemical balances of soil and water when it settles. Rivers, for instance, can become acidic when exposed to particle pollution. In soil, particle pollution depletes nutrient supplies, which damages sensitive crops and forests.
How can I reduce particulate matter in my home?
Particle pollution occurs year-round, so keep an eye on daily measurements and avoid spending a lot of time outside when the Air Quality Index tells us that levels are “unhealthy.” Hunkering down indoors isn’t an absolute solution, though: Domestic activities like cooking, smoking, and lighting candles all produce PM2.5. No, you’re probably not going to stop cooking, so investing in a little extra ventilation and filtration can help manage the particles floating around your home.
Disclaimers
1 Airmega air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander in the air based on KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers. Tested with Airmega Aim, 50, 100, 150, Tower AP-1216L, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
2Our HEPA filter complies with IEST-RP-CC007 standards at speed level 1 as tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance). SGS's test report only reflects SGS's evaluation of the sample and does not reflect the evaluation of the batch of goods from which the sample was taken. Tested with Airmega 100, 150, 160, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
3 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to JEM 1467: 2015 condition, the concentration of acetic acid was proven to be reduced up to 99.5% in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on actual environment. Tested with Airmega 150, Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
4 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022, showed result of over 99.5% removal rate of common household gases including Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Acetic acid, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Benzene, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) within 30 minutes. Results may vary in different environments and not all odors or gas particles may be removed. Tested with Airmega MightyS AP-1512HHS, 250S, 300S, 400S, 350, 450
5 Test conducted using Coway Allergen filter media (5×5 cm) placed in a polyethylene bag. The allergen solution and sample were immersed in 2 mL of phosphate buffer (100 ng/mL) prior to the reaction and heat-sealed to specimen size. The reaction was maintained at 4°C for 24 hours. Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted the test using ELISA to measure allergen concentration. Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
6 Removal rates of Ammonia (NH₃) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) were tested in a 1 m³ chamber under EL608:2023 conditions for 30 minutes. Gas Detector Tubes were used for measurement, and testing was conducted by KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories). Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
7 Reduction rates of Naphthalene, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide were tested using the Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH in 1㎥ chamber, following JEM-1467:2015 standards. Tests were conducted by Intertek. Actual performance may vary depending on the living environment. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
9 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted with Methyl mercaptan, Isovaleraldehyde, Isovaleric acid in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber with a test time of 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of over 99.5% was achieved. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
10 Tested by the Guangzhou Institute of Microbiology, exposed the filter media to protein solutions for 24 hours under ISO 4333-2022 standard. The results showed strong reduction performance: >99.79% for pollen, >99.60% for dog allergen, >99.90% for cat allergen, and >99.80% for dust mites matter allergen. Actual results may vary depending on room size, airflow, and pollutant levels. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
11 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber for 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of >99.5% was achieved for Formaldehyde and Toluene in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
12 Tested by Intertek. The evaluation was conducted against designated test materials: Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. The test was performed in a sealed 1.0×1.0×1.0 m (1.0 m³) odor chamber at a test room temperature of (23±2)°C (measured between 23.6∼23.9°C) and a test room humidity of (45±5)% R.H. (measured between 40∼48)% Relative Humidity. It met the odor removal rate of ≥99.9% for Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
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