Understanding PM 10 and PM 2.5 readings are imperative for human safety. So, let’s take a look at the difference between the two levels, what scenarios they are both found, and how to monitor PM 10 and PM 2.5.
Particle pollution can come from two different kinds of sources—primary or secondary. Primary sources cause particle pollution on their own. For example, wood stoves and forest fires are primary sources. Secondary sources let off gases that can form particles. Power plants and coal fires are examples of secondary sources.
Wildfires Have Adverse Effects on Health. The smoke and ash generated from wildfires pollute the atmosphere and cause health issues in people breathing in the polluted air. Breathing problems, respiratory infections, headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, etc., are some of the common health issues experienced by people living in areas near the fire.
National air-quality standards for PM were first established in 1971 and were not significantly revised until 1987 when EPA changed the indicator to focus on "inhalable particles," which are particles equal to or smaller than 10 microns (PM10). For more info, check out the EPA article, "What are the Air Quality Standards for PM?"
What are the hazards of demolition and construction dust?
Construction dust from demolition may contain many hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, and silica. In population centers, it is imperative to mitigate the release of these materials in order to protect the surrounding communities. Demolition, in general, will release dust with particle sizes of all sizes—potentially impacting anyone that breaths in contaminants from demolition activities.