What Is Particle Pollution and Why Is It Harmful?

Clean air executive Levon Termendzhyan leads Viscon USA and Viscon International, Inc., as an equity owner. Under the leadership of Levon Termendzhyan, the Viscon product has been tested and adopted around the world, thanks to its ability to improve fuel efficiency and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions.

PM emissions consist of various liquid droplets and solids floating in the air. The particles may be comprised of dirt, dust, smoke, or soot and can be large enough to see. These large particles are inhalable and typically range from 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They are referred to as PM10 or coarse dust particles. Meanwhile, smaller particles (PM2.5) can only be seen with an electron microscope. They are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller.

These particles come from a variety of sources, including wood stoves, power plants, and coal fires. Forest fires and wood stoves are examples of primary sources of particle pollution because they cause pollution on their own. Meanwhile, secondary sources release gases that may form into particles and include such things as power plants and industrial facilities. These sources typically produce PM2.5 emissions.

Many people may ignore these particles, but they can negatively affect a population’s health. Larger particles are responsible for irritating the throat, eyes, and nose, while smaller particles can get into the lungs and bloodstream and cause damage from there. Older adults, children, and people with lung or heart disease are particularly susceptible to the effects of particle pollution.