More About Particulate Matter...

On December 17, 2004, the counties of Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon and a portion of Roane were designated in non-attainment of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standard for fine particulate matter pollution (PM 2.5). Fine particulate matter pollution has many of the same health impacts as ground level ozone, and many of the measures you take to reduce ozone causing pollutants and to limit your exposure to ozone also apply to fine particulate matter. A major difference between ozone and fine particulate matter pollution is that while high ground level ozone typically only occurs during the summer, fine particulate matter can build to high concentrations even in the winter months causing poor air quality days year-round. Even though the exact specifications of the non-attainment standard are not yet finalized, it is never too soon to become acquainted with particulate matter pollution and to get people thinking about air quality year round.

Beginning now, the air quality forecast on the Regional Clean Air Coalition website will include PM 2.5 pollution on a year-round basis. From November 1 to the end of February, the air quality forecast will not include ozone because ozone pollution is only a concern during warmer months. The forecast format will remain the same with a separate two day air quality forecast for the valley and the mountains. The forecasts will continue to use the Air Quality Index (AQI) with the color code for the day determined by the pollutant forecasted to have the highest concentration. An Air Quality Action Day will take place when the next day’s forecast for either the mountains or the valley is a color code orange or higher on the AQI scale.

What is Particulate Matter?
Particulate matter is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, pollen, smoke and liquid droplets. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), those smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are of particular concern. These particulates are so small that they can become lodged deep in your lungs and may even enter the bloodstream and cause health problems.

Where does Particulate Matter come from?
Some particles are directly emitted into the air such as from vehicles, factories, construction, farm fields, quarrying and burning. Other particles are formed in the air when gases from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor.

What are the Health Impacts of Particulate Matter?
People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from PM 2.5 than others, especially when they are physically active. Physical activity causes people to breathe faster and more deeply taking in more particles into their lungs. PM 2.5 pollution can also cause aggravated asthma, increases in respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and eye, nose and throat irritation.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Particulate Matter?
Particulate matter pollution plays a large role in producing haze or smog, causing reduced visibility in cities and also in natural areas, as experienced often in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Particulate matter can also increase the acidity of lakes and rivers, can change the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins, depletes soil quality and can damage forests and farm crops. Particulates also cause staining and damage to stone materials such as buildings, bridges, monuments and statues.

What you can do to help reduce particulate matter

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