Particulate matter
Particulate matter (PM) is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles found in the air that can be harmful to your health.
PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller) can pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs.
PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller) can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream, making them more harmful.
Health effects from breathing in particulate matter
Exposure to particulate matter can cause heart and lung conditions. The size of the particles affects their potential to cause health problems. Other factors such as the make-up of particles, amount and duration of exposure time also impacts the related health effects.
Short-term exposure (hours or days) can make existing health problems worse. Long-term exposure (months or years) can cause new diseases to appear or make existing diseases worsen more quickly over time.
PM10 can cause coughing, runny nose, and eye irritation and make existing heart or lung conditions worse.
PM2.5 is more harmful because it can go deeper into the body and cause new lung and heart problems to arise, especially over a long time.
Common sources of PM2.5 and PM10
Particulate matter can be produced by human activities as well as from natural sources, including:
- car and truck exhausts
- industry
- bush fires
- smoke from fires and wood heaters
- dust storms
- dust from unsealed roads and earthworks, including agriculture
- sea salt
- pollen fragments.
Who is most at risk?
- children
- elderly people
- pregnant people
- people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
More information
The South Australian Environmental Protection Authority publishes the air quality category across South Australia. Health advice and recommended actions for the community depend on the air quality category. See also:
