Particulates
Definition
Particulates refer to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources like dust or wildfires, but also from human activities such as industrial emissions or vehicle exhaust.
Analogy
Imagine particulates as glitter floating in the air during a concert. Just like glitter particles can be seen and felt when they settle on your skin or clothes, particulates can be visible and have physical effects when we breathe them in.
Related terms
PM2.5: This stands for "particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller" and refers to fine particles that can penetrate deep into our lungs.
Air Quality Index (AQI): A measurement used to indicate how polluted the air is based on levels of various pollutants including particulates.
Respiratory Diseases: Long-term exposure to high levels of particulates can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or even lung cancer.
"Particulates" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- What is one way to reduce greenhouse emissions and eliminate particulates from combustion?
- What is the primary source of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, metals, and particulates?
Resources
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