PM2.5 Filterable

vehicle and diesel exhaust, wildfires and wood stoves, coal/oil burning, industrial stacks, cooking fumes, and tobacco smoke. “Filterable” means directly emitted particles, not those formed later in air [1][4].

breathing outdoor air near traffic or industry, during wildfires, and indoors from cooking, candles, or smoking—especially with poor ventilation [1][3].

triggers asthma and bronchitis, increases heart attacks and strokes, worsens pregnancy outcomes, and long-term exposure raises the risk of premature death; particulate air pollution is carcinogenic to humans [1][2][5].

children, older adults, people with asthma/COPD, heart disease or diabetes, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and communities near busy roads or fires [1][2][3].

check the Air Quality Index; limit strenuous activity on high-PM days; use HEPA air cleaners; run HVAC on recirculate with MERV-13+ filter; ventilate when cooking; avoid smoking indoors; wear a well-fitted N95 during smoke events [1][2][3].