Particulate Matter

There are things floating around in the air. Most of them, you cannot even see.
They are a kind of air pollution called particles or particulate matter.
Particles can come in different shape and size , bigger particles i.e. PM10 and
smaller particles i.e. PM2.5.
These affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components are
sulfate, nitrate, sodium chloride, ammonia, carbon, mineral dust and water.
The particles are identified according to their aerodynamic diameter, as either
PM10 or PM2.5.
The latter are more dangerous since, when inhaled, they may reached the
peripheral regions of the bronchioles, and interfere with gas exchange inside the lungs.
Effects
Health Effects

premature death in people with hearth and lung disease
nonfatal heart attacks
irregular heartbeat
aggravated asthma
decreased lung function
increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways,
coughing or difficulty breathing
Environmental Effects
Visibility impairment: - Fine particles (PM2.5) are the main cause of
reduced visibility ( haze).
Environmental damage: - Particles can be carried over long distances
by wind and then settle on ground or water making lakes and streams
acidic; changing the nutrient balance in coastal water and large river
basins; depleting the nutrients in soil; damaging sensitive forest and farm
crops; and affecting the diversity of ecosystem.
Guideline values
PM2.5
10 g/m annual mean
25 g/m 24- hour mean
PM10
20 g/m annual mean
50 g/m 24- hour mean
The 2005 AQG set for the first time a guideline value for particulate matter.
The aim is to achieve the concentrations possible. As no threshold for PM has
been identified below which no damage to health is observed, the
recommended value should represent an acceptable and achievable objective
to minimize health effects in the context of local constraints, capabilities and
public health priorities.
Control measures
Reducing numbers of vehicles
Reducing vehicle speed
Correcting road design problems
Increasing moisture content
Binding particles together
Covering unpaved road surface soils with gravel
Sealing unpaved road with pavement or other impermeable
materials