Particulate matter (PM10)

Sources of PM10

Particulate matter (PM) are small particles of solids or liquids that are in the air. The particles are only 10 micrometres in diameter. For context, the width of a human hair is 50 to 70 micrometres.

The main sources of particulate matter are:

• dust from construction sites
• dust from landfills
• dust from agriculture
• wildfires
• pollen
• power stations
• vehicles

Health effects

Short term health impacts of PM10 can include:

• difficulty breathing
• coughing
• eye, nose and throat irritation
• chest tightness and pain

Long term health impacts of PM10 can include:

• lung tissue damage 
• asthma
• heart failure
• cancer
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)