What is Particulate Pollution?

Particulate pollution is made up of tiny bits of airborne solids and liquids. It’s also called particle pollution, particulate matter, or PM 2.5, so named for the size of the particles (smaller than 2.5 microns in width). Whatever the name, particulate pollution is deadly. The smaller the particles, the more harmful the pollution. The invisible particles can pass directly into the bloodstream when breathed into the lungs, triggering serious health conditions, including premature death.

Particulate pollution is a result of the combustion of fossil fuels and other organic material, and comes from many sources, including power plants, cars and trucks, diesel engines, and wildfires.

What can particulate pollution do to you?

Particulate pollution is deadly. It causes premature death, heart attacks, stroke, asthma attacks, premature birth, low birth weight, and other serious health problems. Preliminary research indicates that exposure to particulate pollution increases the risk of death from coronavirus.

What you can do.

Learn more about how particulate pollution harms our health by exploring our resources.

Demand that our leaders protect us from this harmful pollutant. Learn more about state and national policies on particulate pollution.

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