Particulate Matter - Overview

This page updated April 25, 2005.

What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of tiny particles that consists of dry solid fragments, solid cores with liquid coatings, and small droplets of liquid. These particles vary greatly in shape, size and chemical composition, and can be made up of many different materials such as metals, soot, soil, and dust. Particles 10 microns or less in diameter are defined as "respirable particulate matter" or "PM 10." Fine particles are 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5) and can contribute significantly to regional haze and reduction of visibility in California.
Health and Welfare Effects from Exposure to Ambient Levels of Particulate Matter
Extensive research indicates that exposure to outdoor PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels exceeding current air quality standards is associated with increased risk of hospitalization for lung and heart-related respiratory illness, including emergency room visits for asthma. PM exposure is also associated with increased risk of premature deaths, especially in the elderly and people with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease. In children, studies have shown associations between PM exposure and reduced lung function and increased respiratory symptoms and illnesses. Besides reducing visibility, the acidic portion of PM (nitrates, sulfates) can harm crops, forests, aquatic and other ecosystems.

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PM and Health

In June 2002, the ARB adopted new ambient air quality standards for PM 10 and PM 2.5, resulting from an extensive review of the health-based scientific literature. For links to technical and legal documents relevant to the PM standard setting process, click here.

California Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM

Averaging Time

PM 10

PM 2.5

Annual *

20 µg/m3

12 µg/m3

24 Hours

50 µg/m3

See Below **

*

Annual Arithmetic Mean

**

There is no separate 24-hour PM 2.5 standard in California; however, the U.S. EPA promulgated a 24-hour PM 2.5 ambient air quality standard of 35 µg/m3.

For a brief history of the ambient air quality standards for PM, click here.

For more information on Ambient Air Quality Standards, please contact Linda Smith
by telephone at (916) 327-8225 or by email at lsmith@arb.ca.gov.

 


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