PM10 and PM2.5
About
- PM10 and PM2.5 are key measures of particulate matter (PM) in air pollution, defined by particle size in micrometers (μm).
- PM10 includes particles up to 10 μm, while PM2.5 covers finer particles up to 2.5 μm, making PM2.5 a subset of PM10.​
Key Differences
- PM10 particles, often called coarse dust, mainly arise from sources like wind-blown dust, road traffic, construction, and agriculture.
- PM2.5, or fine dust, stems more from combustion processes such as vehicle emissions, power plants, and burning wood or fossil fuels.​
Health Effects
- PM10 particles typically lodge in the upper respiratory tract, causing irritation to eyes, nose, and throat.
- PM2.5 penetrates deeper into lungs and enters the bloodstream, raising risks for respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even lung cancer.​
Monitoring Standards
- Air quality standards regulate both, with PM2.5 often prioritized due to greater health risks; for instance, WHO guidelines emphasize reducing PM2.5 exposure.
- In India, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set limits like 60 μg/m³ annual average for PM2.5 and 100 μg/m³ for PM10.​
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