What is a PM 2.5 Indicator?

What is PM,s? 2.5 Fine Particulate Matter PM,5, also known as fine particulate matter, refers to particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in width. Although it is invisible to the naked human eye as individual particles, PM25 can reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when PM25 levels are elevated. 40+ PM, 5 particles = the smallest particle visible to human eye 20 PM25 particles = 1 fog particle 4 PM2.5 particles = 1 PM 10 particle 1 PM2.5 particle < 2.5 microns Human Effects nose irritation Enter through nose and mouth. throat irritation Larger particles such as PM10 are eliminated through coughing, sneezing, and swallowing. Smaller particles such as PM2.5 can travel deep into lungs, causing lung and heart problems. cardiovascular diseases Y lung problems, even lung cancer Vulnerable Populations Unlike other pollutants in the air, PM2.5 can go deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to health problems. Young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Sources Burning of wood, oil, grass, etc. Agriculture Power Plants Motor Vehicles & Factories How do we know? We use satellite-derived estimates that develop a consistent measure for each country, many of which do not yet measure ground-based PM25. Satellite vs. Ground SATELLITE GROUND • Measured typically at the ground level where populations are exposed, Consistent measure for al countries (important for cross-country comparisons) • Global data coverage for all PROS which is the most accurate for countries local exposure to PM2 5 VS • Uses scientific models to estimate ground-based measures • Uses multi-year averages, so • Many countries don't have resources to measure PM25 • Inconsistent spatial coverage • Comparisons between countries difficult, due to measurement and could mute effects of CONS high-pollution events reporting differences Average Exposure to PM25 - A 'Typical' Air Pollution Day Average exposure is calculated by multiplying the PM25 concentration by the population exposed. It reflects a typical' air pollution day a person would experience in a country. The 2014 EPI includes two ways of looking at exposure: 1) the average exposure to PM25 at a national scale; 2) an average of the percentage of the population exposed to PM2.5 levels at the World Health Organization's different air quality guidelines (10, 15, 25, and 35 µg/m3). 10pg/m WHO (World Health Organization) Recommendation 3 Hg/m³ U.S. Air Quality Index & Concentration Values Levels of Concentration Air Quality Index (AQI) Values (ug/m³) Health Concern 0 - 50 good 0 -12 51 - 100 moderate 12.1 - 35.4 101 - 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups 35.5 - 55.4 151 - 200 unhealthy 55.5 - 150.4 201 - 300 very unhealthy 150.5 - 250.4 301 - 500 hazardous 250.5 - 500.4 Environmental References Performance • WHO air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, Global Update 2005, Summary of Risk Assessment", World Health Organization (WHO): http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf • "Air Quality Index (AQI) - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health", Air Now: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi • "Particulate Matter (PM)", United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/pm/basic.html Index