Atmospheric Particulate Matter, though is a concept a majority of the population is not acquainted with, is an inexorable presence in everyday life. In overview, it appears in the form of condensed solid or liquid material amongst the air around us that come about from both natural and manmade consequences. For instance, this includes soil dust, sea salt, vehicle emissions,  coal combustion (i.e. fossil fuel related activity), and others of the ilk. Though seemingly trivial, build up can accumulate to 500 micrograms per cubic meter in extreme cases. Such levels accentuated with growing population rates plus urbanization draws to correlation regarding human wellbeing, whether it be present in enhanced rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lowered life expectancy by an estimate of six months. Climate is also another factor. There are also identifications in relation to reduced visibility affecting radiation transmission resulting in temperature changes. As a result, legislative measures have been placed all over the globe.

Context-wise in geographical terms, China has garnished the moniker of being polluted and that is definitely the case. Experts even dictate that current issue is far worse than the public seems to think as their study compares the damages of long term exposure to Beijing?s pollution as equivalent to smoking forty cigarettes per day. Many of the dust is be that of PM 2.5 or ones that bear the size of less than 2.5 microns in diameter which are especially hazardous due to being easily able to enter the deep ends of a person?s internal system leading to life threatening diseases. By targeting this issue amongst Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi?an where rates of PM 2.5 exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (whilst 32 cities are under red as well), a decrease in premature deaths can amount to 81% while as a result stimulating economic growth by 875 million USD. Fortunately many organizations are conducting awareness campaigning such as WWF, Greenpeace, and others affiliated. One especially innovative example is an app that lets you edit the smog out of legitimate photos of skies and at the same time signing petitions to achieve the desired effect.

Implementation is imperative in mitigating consequences both on a governmental and individual level. In terms of the primer, action is already underway. Since 2010, coal use has stabilized rather than its usual increase leading to a drop of sulfur dioxide emissions from 21.9 million tons to 19.7 over the span of four years, while the other major chemical of nitrogen oxide had the same trend. In general, PM 2.5 has dropped 18% from 2013 as well with rates of 73 micrograms per cubic meter as of 2016. Nevertheless, persistent efforts don?t come to results that most are expecting. Experts have revealed that this is because of chemical reactions of changes in meteorology (e.g. wind speeds, humidity, cloudiness, temperature inversions) and in order to tackle this complication, even more effort has to take place. Control policies regarding transit systems, livestock farming and fertilizer use are pending suggestions. In addition, a shift to further renewable energy sources rather than coal plants would be ideal.

What we can do is also equally as important. Simple actions such as taking public transport or walking or taking a bike reduces vehicle exhaust significantly while fuel efficient models also do wonders. Reducing electricity consumption can help greatly especially if the given household is powered by a coal plant and this can vary from using energy efficient LED lighting or not using it at all when not needed. Monitoring the air quality on webs and apps can be key for awareness on the severity of the issue and is also available here: http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/news/blog/real-time-apps-twitters-tracking-air-quality-/blog/37249/  

Here?s to a future with clearer skies!

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Doland., Angela. "With Chinese Earth Hour App, Edit the Smog Out of Photos." Ad Age. N.p., 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. <http://adage.com/article/global-news/chinese-campaigns-tackle-air-pollution-problem/292361/>.

Ho, Mun, and Chris Nielsen. "The Real Reasons China Is Struggling To Control Its Pollution Problems." Fortune. N.p., 10 Jan. 2017. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. <http://fortune.com/2017/01/10/china-red--pollution-pm2-5/+>.

Polywoda, V.T. University Students Come and Go in the Dense Air Pollution. Digital image.Flickr. Yahoo!, 08 Feb. 2014. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/vtpoly/12380369223/in/photolist-jS1CrM-nDk71v-7cZW4U-fquwkN-fBjPt4-p86VET-haWeNh-RQof8i-4nwzja-nW1aDy-f3iPQ1-9Mjv9Z-okk1QX-nFBwk6-dLpyP6-jS1hdT-khvLKa-khvLyi-8gDDn5-7HkEZh-4Ncnch-begXf-4Sshzr-ohXcnP-nFBGrC-nFzGmk-jS21w8-qm2tW1-nY4bmg-9ofhzb-nXKGJn-9oyAXb-9ovwtn-nFBPco-dMMixj-nFyoM6-qYuHvj-9MzV6X-qcx8xY-9MCGnJ-qMJKGp-dZhcSs-khwrQc-4Gwx6C-bmHxUL-5DZZ79-eHs2qe-jTKn88-5nJ7ta-dZbCSZ>.

"Reduce Air Pollution: In China." Greenpeace East Asia. Greenpeace, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.