PM10
- Sources
- Impacts
- Testing
Sources of Particulate Matter <10µm (PM10)
Particulate matter's physical composition is ambiguous, ranging from both solid and aerosol particles suspended in air. It is comprised of a mixture of dust, minerals, carbon molecules, sulphates, heavy metals, and water. Particulate matter ≤10 micrometres (µm) in diameter but ≥ 2.5 µm, and are classified as 'coarse particles' called PM10. For scale, a human hair has a diameter of ~70 µm.
PM10s can come from a variety of anthropogenic sources. In the home, PM10s can originate from burning fuels for heating or cooking. Farms can release particles into the air via tilling of soil and through animal movement. Factories and vehicles which burn fossil fuels release lots of particulate matter, and even brakes, tyres, and unpaved roads can emit PM10s. Dust can contribute greatly to PM10 levels -- much more so than PM2.5 levels -- so a dusty household or a construction/demolition site can both experience heightened PM10 concentrations. Natural sources of PM10 include wildfires, pollen, sea spray and volcanic eruptions.
Some sources of PM are defined as 'primary particles', meaning they are emitted into the air directly from a source (e.g., dust, smoke). Secondary particles are formed within an environment through chemical reactions (e.g., ammonia reacts with nitrogen oxides to form ammonium nitrate). Levels of PM10 exposure are dependent on the type of built environment you live in (e.g., an area close to a motorway or a factory might see higher PM10 levels). Lifestyle choices can also affect PM10 exposure, like burning log fires or cleaning the house regularly. Unfortunately, socio-economic status can have a significant influence on PM10 exposure, particularly by restricting where people in lower socio-economic groups can live and work.
Typical Sources of PM10
- Combustion Fumes Related to Transport & Industry
- Abrasion of Breaks, Tyres and Road Surface
- Construction, Mining, Demolition and Agricultural Dust
- Wildfires, Pollen, Seaspray and Volcanic Eruptions
Impacts of Indoor PM10
Particulate matter is both a carcinogen and a respiratory and cardiovascular irritant, causing both short-term and long-term health effects. PM10, due to its size, is more likely to deposit in the upper region of the lung, and generally irritates the ENT systems. While PM2.5 is more capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory and circulatory systems and causing damage, PM10 can worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases. The severity of this effect is heightened in vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Common Impacts of PM10
- Irritation of the ENT Systems
- The development and worsening of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease
- Reduction in Life Expectancy
- Negatively Impact Cognitive Functions
Testing for PM10
Testing for PM10 is relatively easy to carry out. With the use of the Temptop M2000, we can perform point-in-time readings of PM10 in a given environment. It uses a Laser PM Sensor to detect PM10 to a resolution of 0.1µg/m³. Many domestic air quality monitors also include PM10 as a measurable pollutant.- Temptop M2000 2nd
- Air Quality Monitors
Limits of PM10 (normally in µg/m³ ) are variable within legislation depending on the environmental type and activities performed in said environment. The Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010) set an annual average for outdoor PM10 levels at 40 µg/m3. The WHO's recommended annual average concentration of PM10 is 15 μg/m3. It is stated that there is no safe amount of PM to have within the air, so all efforts to reduce PM should be maximised to ALARP.
- The Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010) limit is ≤40 µg/m3
- DEFRA defines high levels of PM10 at 76-83 µg/m³
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend < 15 μg/m3
PM10 FAQs
How Do I Remove PM10 from My Indoor Air? ↓
Keeping a building candle, incense, and smoke-free can reduce the quantities of PM10 in the indoor environment. When cooking, aim to fry less or increase ventilation rates to remove the PM. HVAC/filter system usage, alongside Photocatalytic Oxidation, Bipolar Ionisation, or Carbon Filter systems, can keep IAQ to a high standard. Without this equipment, it is important to open windows (if appropriate; check the air quality index for your area), especially after cleaning the house. It is also good practice to continuously monitor the air quality to analyse patterns and spot issues before they become apparent.
What's The Difference Between PM10, PM2.5 And UFPM? ↓
Physically, the only difference distinguishing these pollutants is their size (<10μm, <2.5μm, <0.1μm). However, this difference in size alters the absorption properties, the transport mechanisms into the body, and the health impacts. PM10 is regarded as the least harmful of the three, sometimes causing short-term ENT irritation and shallowly penetrating lung tissue. PM2.5, being finer, can penetrate deeper into lung tissue and the bloodstream, causing a greater degree of oxidative stress, which can harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. UFPM has effects which are yet to be elucidated, and therefore, regulations do not yet exist for this PM. Scientists theorise it could have several more aggressive health implications than those of PM2.5 and PM10. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the particulate matter is, the more harmful it is likely to be.
What Legislation Relates To Indoor PM10 Levels? ↓
In the UK, there is no legislative limit to PM10 levels; however, as indoor particulate matter is largely a result of infiltration of outdoor PM, it's reasonable to reference outdoor air quality targets as a benchmark for assessing indoor air quality. For guidance, see: The Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010); EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits; and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act (2018).
How Do I Know If My Local Outdoor Levels Of PM10 Are Bad? ↓
Is There A Way To Perceive If A Room Has High Levels Of Particulate Matter? ↓
No, indoor PM is too small to be seen and cannot be accurately identified by scent. Due to a mixture of substances constituting PM, sometimes it can smell, but other times it may not. In some large outdoor urban environments, like some cities in China, where pollution is much higher, PM can reduce visibility and create a hazy-like visual.
Why Choose ARM?
ARM monitors and manages PM10 from sources like dust, combustion, and building work. We provide solutions that enhance filtration and reduce occupant exposure.
We’re SafeContractor certified and BESA-affiliated, and our CEO Adam Taylor chairs the BESA Indoor Air Quality Group. This ensures our strategies are rooted in industry guidance and tailored for both regulatory compliance and long-term health.
