Particulate matter: basics

In short: Particulate matter refers to tiny particles suspended in the air that come from natural sources and human activities such as traffic, industry, and heating. The smaller the particles, the deeper they can penetrate the airways, and the more potentially harmful to health they are.

In more detail: Particulate matter is categorised by particle size into categories like PM10 and PM2.5, where the number indicates the maximum diameter in micrometres.

In detail

• PM10: Particles up to 10 micrometres in diameter are largely captured in the upper airways but partly penetrate into the bronchi.
• PM2.5: These even finer particles can reach the alveoli and from there even enter the bloodstream.
• Traffic-related sources: Exhaust fumes, tyre wear, and stirred-up road dust contribute significantly to particulate matter levels in cities.
• Natural sources: Saharan dust, pollen, and volcanic eruptions also generate particulate matter, though usually to a lesser extent than human activity in cities.
• Health effects: Long-term exposure to particulate matter is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
• Limits and measurement: Authorities monitor particulate matter levels at measuring stations and inform the public when statutory limits are exceeded.
• Reduction measures: Low-emission zones, promoting electric mobility, and stricter industrial regulations are among the most important measures against particulate matter (co2-fussabdruck-im-alltag, gehoerschutz-und-lautstaerke).