Where It Comes From
Road dust and brake/tire wear, construction/demolition, agriculture, industrial processes, wood/coal burning, wildfires, and dust storms [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing outdoor air near busy roads or worksites; smoke or dust events; particles leaking indoors; woodstoves and fireplaces; sweeping or leaf blowing; commuting and outdoor work [1][3].
Why It Matters
Can trigger coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and reduced lung function; raises risks of heart attack, stroke, and premature death with ongoing exposure; particulate air pollution is classified as carcinogenic to humans [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Children, older adults, people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and communities near traffic or industry [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check the Air Quality Index and adjust activity; close windows and use clean HVAC filters or HEPA air cleaners; choose cleaner routes/times; wear a well-fitted N95 in dusty/smoky air; avoid burning and reduce indoor dust [1][3][5].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM). https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm
- [2]WHO. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
- [3]CDC. Air Pollution and Your Health (Particle Pollution). https://www.cdc.gov/air/
- [4]IARC. Outdoor Air Pollution (Monographs Vol. 109). https://publications.iarc.fr/.../Outdoor-Air-Pollution-2016
- [5]AirNow (EPA). AQI Basics and Wildfire Smoke Protection. https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/ and https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-smoke/