PM is a complex mixture of air borne particles that differ in size, origin and chemical composition, all of which are <10 µm in size. US EPA described PM pollution as ‘mixture of mixtures’. PM is among the most harmful of all air pollutants.

1. Particulate matter pollution
Presented by
Dr. B. Victor., Ph. D
Email : bonfiliusvictor@gmail.com
Blog: bonvictor.blogspot.com

2. Presentation outline
• What is particulate matter ?
• Sources ,types and sizes of PM.
• Characteristics of PM
• Particle pollution.
• Particle deposition in human lungs.
• Adverse health effects.
• People at risk to particle pollution.
• Environmental impacts.
• Conclusion.

3. Particulate matter (PM)
• PM is a complex mixture of air borne particles
that differ in size, origin and chemical
composition, all of which are <10 µm in size.
• E.g. dust, smoke, soot
Suspended Respirable
Particulate
Particulate Suspended
Matter, PM
Matter, SPM Particles, RSP
Fine particles soot

4. Facts about PM pollution
• PM is one of the six EPA ‘criteria pollutants’.
• PM has no fixed composition. The particles may
consist either of only one chemical (e.g. sulphate,
sulphuric acid, or lead oxide ) OR a number of
pollutants ( organic chemicals, metals, dust ).
• US EPA described PM pollution as ‘mixture of
mixtures’.
• PM is among the most harmful of all air
pollutants.

5. Six criteria pollutants
Particulate matter
PM
VOCs SO2
criteria
pollutants
Lead NOx
CO

6. Sources of particulate
matter
Natural Particulates Anthropogenic
Originates from particulates
volcanoes,
Originates from
Dust storms,
Burning fossil fuels,
Forest and grassland fires,
Incinerating wastes and
Living vegetation and
Smelting metals
Sea spray.

7. PM
• PM composed of liquid aerosol particles and
solid aerosol particles –suspended in and
move with the air.
• Aerosol are droplets of liquids.
• Generally below 5 µm size.

8. Types of PM particles
Primary particles
• Directly emitted from sources
Secondary particles
• Form as a result of the interaction of
chemicals such as SO2, NOx and VOCs
with other compounds in the air.

9. Sources of PM and PM precursors
• Mobile sources – Vehicles – VOCs , NO2, PM
• Stationary sources – power plants, factories –
NO2, SO2, PM
• Area sources – dry cleaners, gas stations –
VOCs.
• Natural sources – forest fires, volcanoes, PM

10. Particle sizes
PM10 PM 2.5 PM 0.1
Ultra-fine
particles
Fine particles
Coarse particles

11. Size comparison of particles

12. Characteristics of particles
• Inhalable coarse particles, Diameter range 10 -2.5 microns.
• Undergo rapid sedimentation
• Occur near roadways and dusty industries.
PM10 • Bypass the body’s natural defenses in the nose and throat and enter lungs.
• Fine particles, particle diameter 2.5 microns.
• Remains suspended in the air and can travel extremely long distances.
• Emitted from power plants, industries, and automobiles.
PM 2.5 • Penetrate deeper into the lungs and damage lung tissues.
• Ultra-fine particles, nano-particulates, smaller than 0.1 micron diameter.
• Consist primarily of inorganic ions, hydrocarbons and metals.
• Pass from lung tissue into blood stream.
PM 0.1 • Circulate like oxygen molecules.

13. Suspended particulate matter (SPM)
• About 100 microns in diameter
Dust • Removed in the nasal passages
• e.g. coal dust, cement dust
Fumes • Suspended solids, <I micron in diameter.
• Zinc or lead oxides
Mist • Liquid droplets, diameter <2.0 microns
• e.g. Sulphuric acid mist
smoke • Solid particles, 0.05 – 1.0 microns
• Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
Aerosol • Liquid or solid aerosols, <1.0 micron.

14. Major features of particles
• Inhalable particles
PM10 • Deposit in the extra thoracic
/upper tracheo-branchial region
PM 2.5 • Fine particles
• Deposit in deeper lung
PM 0.1
• Ultra-fine particles
• Pass into the circulatory system

15. Sources of particle pollution
• Motor vehicle emissions
• Power generation
• Industrial combustion
• Metal smelting
• Wood / biomass burning
• Construction / demolition
• Road dust

16. Determinants of PM concentration
Weather Stability Height of
Temperature
wind Turbulence precipitation Topography smoke
(Air Vertical Of gases
patterns movement) stack

17. Particle deposition in the lungs
Coarse • Deposit in the upper respiratory tract and
large airways (nose and throat) and are
particles cleared out.
Fine • Penetrate deep into the lungs and reach
terminal bronchioles and alveoli.
particles • Stay there longer periods of time.
Ultra-fine • Enter the blood and travel through out the
body.
particles
Particle size is the most important factor for target tissue deposition

18. Potential health effects of PM
Impact on pulmonary
system
Lung injury
Altered lung function
Aggravation of pulmonary disease
Altered pulmonary immune response

19. Adverse health effects
• Irritate the eye, nose and throat.
• Inflammation of lung tissue.
• Decreased lung function.
• Development of chronic lung disease.
• Severity of asthma attacks in children.
• Pre-term birth and low birth weight.
• Premature death in people with heart and
lung disease.

20. People at risk
(sensitive human population )
1. Children under 18 age.
2. Adults 65 and older.
3. Anyone with chronic lung diseases such as
asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
4. Anyone with a cardiovascular disease.
5. Anyone with diabetes.

21. Environmental impact
• Impairment of visibility- fine particles reduce
visibility.
• Damage to environment – particles can be carried
over long distances by wind and settle on ground
or water. They make lakes and streams acidic,
deplete nutrients in soil and damage sensitive
forests and farm crops.
• Aesthetic effects – settling particles on statues
and monuments can stain or damage stone and
other materials.

22. Health effects of long-term exposure
to anthropogenic particulates
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
• Pneumonia
• Upper respiratory tract or lower respiratory
tract disorders.
• Lung cancer.

23. About the presenter
• Dr.B.Victor is a highly experienced postgraduate
biology teacher, recently retired from the
reputed educational institution - St. Xavier’ s
College, Palayamkottai, India-627001.
• He was the dean of sciences and assistant
controller of examinations.
• He has more than 32 years of teaching and
research experience
• He has taught a diversity of courses ranging
from pre- university to post graduate classes.
• Send your comments to :
bonfiliusvictor@gmail.com