Finding particulate matter (PM) in the air is always possible. However, a high concentration of these particles can cause poor indoor air quality, worsening pre existing illnesses or generating new ones. 

A worker’s health could be adversely affected by these particles. Invisible, dangerous particles known as particulate matter can enter the bloodstream and lungs. Employers are responsible for monitoring dust levels in the workplace to ensure that their employees are safe. 

This article intends to deliver an overview of particulate matter and discuss the necessity of occupational level monitoring.

What is A Particulate Matter?

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex composition of airborne liquid and solid particles. These can contain mineral dust, several metals, water, ammonium, sulfate, nitrates, diverse organic compounds, carbon, and diesel plume.

In actuality, particles of biological and inorganic stuff are permanently present in the air, such as pollen, dust, or smoke. They originate from primary and secondary sources, respectively.

Road transportation and fuels used for industrial, commercial, or residential uses are examples of primary sources. Secondary sources float in the atmosphere as a byproduct of chemical processes involving gases like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic molecules.

Based on particle size, there are three classifications of particulate matter:

Ultra Fine Particles

Large quantities of 0.1-m-diameter ultrafine particles are present in the air. Because Ultra Fine Particles are smaller in size and have more surface area, surface material, and physical properties, it is more toxic. 

Systemic conditions of lung inflammation known as metal fume fever and coughing are made worse by exposure to ultrafine particles.

Fine Particles

When levels of fine particulate matter in the air are excessive, it risks people’s health. Fine particles, which range in size from 0.1 to 2.5 m, can penetrate the respiratory system profoundly and make it to the lungs. 

Shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation are just a few short-term health impacts that can result from exposure to tiny particles.

Coarse Particles

These particles typically have sizes greater than 2.5 m and less than or equal to 10 m. The comparatively large airborne particles known as “coarse particles” are created mainly by the mechanical breakdown of even bigger solid particles. 

Fine and ultrafine particles stay suspended longer than coarse particles, which settle relatively fast.

Effects of Particulate Matters on Health

While some particles, such as smoke, smog, and soot, are visible, the tiny, invisible particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream are the most dangerous.

They are increasingly held accountable for the penetration and toxicity of the particles’ effects on both acute and long-term health.

Particulate matter has different health effects depending on its nature, a person’s health history, and other environmental circumstances. Even brief exposure to particulate matter can have negative consequences. Thus the length of exposure is a crucial consideration.

The nose, throat, and eyes irritation, weariness, dizziness, cardiovascular disorders, and even some malignancies can all result from exposure to particulate matter.

Impact on the Environment

Smog and reduced vision are the main effects of particle pollution on the environment. Particulate matter changes how light is absorbed and scattered in the atmosphere, which affects visibility. 

Additionally, plants, soil, and water habitats are negatively impacted by the airborne particles settling on them. While the accumulation of PM into water bodies affects the quality and clarity of the water, the metal and organic compounds impair plant growth and yield.

Particles influence the atmosphere’s temperature; some, like black carbon, warm the climate while others, like sulfates and nitrates, cool it. Additionally, these particles are the main smog precursors.

Understanding Diesel Particulate Matter 

After describing the several kinds of particulate matter, one particular type that falls under the category of fine particles—diesel particulate matter—is also harmful to health.

A complex mixture of air contaminants, comprising solid and gas particles, is released through diesel emissions. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is the term for the substantial component of diesel exhaust (DPM). 

Over 90% of DPM has a diameter of less than 1 m, or around 1/70th the length of our hair. It is a subcategory of fine particulates that falls under the previously defined category of fine particles and has a diameter of less than 2.5 microns.

Most DPM production happens during combustion, including burning wood or natural gas to produce electricity, and motor vehicles consume gasoline and diesel fuel.

In What Ways Are You Exposed to DPM?

The majority of the biggest diesel pollution producers—trucks, trains, and ships—operate at and around ports, rail yards, and busy roadways. Diesel particulate matter monitor count in these regions is important since they are typically close to densely populated areas.

As a result, cities are more commonly affected by raised DPM levels than are rural locations, where fewer individuals are exposed to higher concentrations of DPM and suffer fewer adverse health effects. 

A significant portion of one’s exposure to DPM happens on public roads. Even though people spend only a tiny part of their time in enclosed automobiles—roughly 7% for adults, 12% for children under the age of 12, and 4%—30 to 55% of daily DPM exposure often happens while people are in motor vehicles.

How to Keep Track of the Particle Count?

Organizations may assist in guaranteeing that their employees have access to healthy indoor air, such as through particulate monitoring and understanding its proportion in the environment.

Sensors for indoor air quality use cutting-edge technology to identify various PM levels in real-time. They offer continuous observations of particle concentrations, generating valuable data and allowing for the inspection of trends. 

If PM levels exceed a specified threshold, ventilation arises, or sensors set off an alert for changing the air filters. Diesel monitoring system technology is becoming accessible to assess various particle sizes for indoor air quality.

Regarding Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), efforts for particulate monitoring limit exposure through cleaner-burning diesel fuel. Upgrade engines with particle-trapping filters, introduce new, cutting-edge technologies that reduce particle emissions and use alternative fuels. 

The public exposure to diesel exhaust pollution will lessen even more thanks to the recently enacted diesel exhaust control measures, and it will continue to do so as long as the sustainable DPM monitoring and freight program expands.

Importance of Monitoring Particulate Matter

Particulate matter constitutes solid and aerosol particles that are so small they can move quickly through the nose and throat, go deep inside the lungs, and adversely impact your life. 

A continuous particle monitor count is crucial since it travels in the atmosphere due to numerous chemical reactions involving air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Particulate monitoring is an effective method for spotting high particulate matter concentrations and avoiding high-level exposures. Developing an action plan to fulfill criteria and calculating the air quality index aids in real-time monitoring of particulate matter levels.

The Bottomline

Heavy metals produced from diverse sources are among the hazardous organic molecules that make up particulate matter in the atmosphere. Once released, they can fly hundreds of miles and remain in the air for a very long period.

Monitoring of particulates is crucial for several reasons. Per the rule of legislation, effective particulate monitoring by a business like ours would lower the risk of diseases like lung cancer or silicosis and save many lives.

By partnering with us, you can improve and advance your workplace culture. We support businesses that maximize their potential by safeguarding the well-being of their employees. Do not hesitate to contact us for your DPM monitoring needs!