Suspended Particulate Matter in Air

Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere is known as particulate matter (PM) or particulates.  These microscopic suspended matters are hazardous in nature. Dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets, are all included in this complex matter. It contains both organic and in organic particles. There is a great variation in size, composition and origin. Liquid droplets or microscopically small solid particles are suspended in the air. The problem of particulate matter is primarily during wintertime, when seasonal wood burning and stubble burning takes place. The smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system and can be more hazardous to breathe.

Based on their size, particulate matter is often divided into two main groups. These are:

·         Fine particles: The Size range is up to 2.5 µm (PM2.5). These particles are often found in smoke and haze. 

·         Inhalable coarse particles: The size range of these particles is from 2.5 micrometers to 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10 – PM2.5).

Fine particles are directly emitted from sources like forest fires. They can also form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles react in the air. Inhalable coarse particle are often found near roadways and dusty industries.  

The most vulnerable to these pollutants are the children and the elderly. Suspended particulate matter is equally threatening to human health, plants, and to the entire climate. A normal person can also experience temporary problems due to this pollution. Health related problems that can be caused due to excess exposure to these particulates include irritation of eyes, throat, and nose. It can also result in tightness in chest, difficulty in breathing and decrease in lung function. In case of plants stomatal openings can be blocked by these suspended particulates. This can further result in retardation of the photosynthesis process. Due to this damage in the plants there can be reduction in the crop and vegetation produce. Particulate matter in the Earth’s atmosphere is a major reason for climate change. It also leads to the global warming and production of green house gases.