Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
Particulate Matter refers to very small particles of smoke, soot, dust,
and even tiny droplets of liquid. PM2.5
refers specifically to fine particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns
in diametre (a human hair is approximately 100 microns in diametre). PM10
refers to ‘coarse’ particulate, or material with a diametre
less than 10 microns in diametre.
How is it Generated?
Anthropogenic Sources: fuel combustion, fugitive dust generation
(unpaved roads, agricultural fields), wood burning, residential heating,
incineration, pesticide & herbicide applications and smoking. Natural
Sources include: fugitive dust (open fields), pollen, bacteria,
forest fires and sea salt spray.
What Are The Health Effects?
- There is still a lot unknown about the effects of PM on the body system.
- It is known that the fine particulate enters the lungs and can enter deep into the area where gas transfer takes place. Tiny sacs called alveoli ‘collect’ oxygen and transfer it across to the bloodstream.
- Fine particulate can impede this process, and can also negatively effect the body’s own natural defense mechanism deep inside the lungs.
- It can also damage crops and decrease visibility.
Provincial Guidelines:
- The 24-hour Average Alberta Ambient Air Guideline is 30 µg/m3
- Currently, there are no 1-hour, or Annual Ambient Air Guidelines in Alberta
What Can Be Done?
- Stay indoors during periods of known high ambient PM concentrations
- Reduce vehicle use and the use of less-efficient vehicles
- Apply dust suppressants to aid in the control of fugitive dust
- Use proper dust collection at source
- Use of modern farming practices