PM2.5

Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM_2.5):

PM_2.5 is particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM_2.5 is generally described as fine particles. Particles of any substances that are less than 2.5 micrometers diameter. Particles in this size range make up a large proportion of dust that can be drawn deep into the lungs. Larger particles tend to be trapped in the nose, mouth or throat.

The chemical properties PM_2.5 vary depending on sources of particles. It is important to note that particulates are not one particular chemical substance but a classification of particles by size rather than chemical properties.

PM is a mixture with physical and chemical characteristics varying by location. Common chemical constituents of PM include sulfates, nitrates, ammonium, other inorganic ions such as ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride, organic and elemental carbon, crustal material, particle-bound water, metals (including cadmium, copper, nickel, vanadium and zinc) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In addition, biological components such as allergens and microbial compounds are found in PM.

What are the effects of PM_2.5 on human health?

PM10 and PM2.5 include inhalable particles that are small enough to penetrate the thoracic region of the respiratory system. The health effects of inhalable PM are well documented. They are due to exposure over both the short term (hours, days) and long term (months, years) and include:

• Respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, such as aggravation of asthma, respiratory symptoms and an increase in hospital admissions;
• Mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and from lung cancer.

There is good evidence of the effects of short-term exposure to PM₁₀ on respiratory health, but for mortality, and especially as a consequence of long-term exposure, PM_2.5 is a stronger risk factor than the coarse part of PM₁₀ (particles in the 2.5–10 µm range). All-cause daily mortality is estimated to increase by 0.2–0.6% per 10 µg/m3 of PM₁₀ (6,7). Long-term exposure to PM_2.5 is associated with an increase in the long-term risk of cardiopulmonary mortality by 6–13% per 10 µg/m3 of PM_2.5 (8–10).

Susceptible groups with pre-existing lung or heart disease, as well as elderly people and children, are particularly vulnerable.

For example, exposure to PM affects lung development in children, including reversible deficits in lung function as well as chronically reduced lung growth rate and a deficit in long-term lung function There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure or a threshold below which no adverse health effects occur. The exposure is ubiquitous and involuntary, increasing the significance of this determinant of health

What are the environmental effects of PM_2.5?

Particles such as soot are mainly responsible for staining buildings and objects made from stone. The effect of PM on vegetation depends in most cases on the chemical composition of particles. Heavy metals and toxic particles can cause damage and death to some species as a result of phytotoxicity and abrasive action during turbulent deposition. Heavy deposition loads can result in reduced light transmission to chloroplasts and the occlusion of stomata, decreasing efficiency of gas exchange. Physiological processes such as bud-break, pollination and light absorption can also be disrupted.

Interested Parties including Regulatory Authorities:

1. Persons affected by PM_2.5
2. Industries, Laboratories using/ Generating PM₅
3. Warehouses Containing Chemicals of PM₅
4. Motor Vehicles for personal and commercial uses
5. Private / Govt. Projects to control PM₅
6. Handling and transportation of chemical containing PM₅
7. Local Environmental Department/ Authorities
8. Local Government Authorities like Municipalities, City Corporation etc.
9. Local Law Enforcing Agencies like Police, Magistrate and Regulatory Authorities etc.
   
   

Benefit of Monitoring:

By monitoring long-term contamination trends, every country establishes baseline contamination levels, making it possible for early identification of contamination events. Daily events and long term trends are captured and steps taken to reduce environmental emission/ pollution and enhance environmental performance of the society.