Particulate matter (PM) is a type of air pollution made up of a variety of very small solid and liquid particles, including dust and other materials. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a subset of particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less.

Health Effects

Fine particulate matter enters the body through the nose and mouth, and can travel deep into the lungs. The particles can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, throat irritability, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function, and can aggravate asthma. The smallest particles can be the most harmful because they can enter the bloodstream and cause irregular heart beat and heart attacks as well as premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution/index.html

Metro East Community Air Project
618-514-7854
1 Regency Plaza
Collinsville, IL 62234