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Last updated
July 26, 2025

Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)

Air pollution and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) research represents the most extensive body of evidence documenting how these microscopic particles cause widespread health damage across all age groups. Studies consistently show that particulate matter exposure contributes to respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and premature mortality, with no safe threshold identified below current standards. The evidence reveals how these particles penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting virtually every organ system. Explore the comprehensive research showing why particulate matter is considered the most dangerous component of air pollution.
  • PM2.5 largest sources are agriculture and wildfires followed by road traffic, nonroad traffic, burning coal for energy and industry, and windblown dust (NIH, 2023)
  • Climate change will add to air pollution - 3°C increase could double ozone formation and PM2.5 could increase 40% (James Dinneen, 2024)
  • Black carbon (BC) from fossil fuels used in commuting and is a major component of PM2.5, coming from partially combustible sources (ex: wood burning and fossil fuels). 40% fossil fuel, 40% biomass burning, 20% biofuel from household cooking (Dilip Kumar Mahato et al., 2024).
  • Ambient PM2.5 stabilizing or reducing in many regions (State of Global Air | 2024)
  • Fine particle air pollution (aka PM2.5) measures less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.  From vehicles, residential fuel use, coal-burning power plants, agriculture and industry, waste burning, wildfires, and more (human and natural) (State of Global Air | 2024)
  • PM2.5 pollution leads to higher likelihood of developing breast cancer, as there is a statistically significant 28% increase in risk of breast cancer when fine-particle air pollution increased by 10 ug/m3 (aka 0.01 ppm) (Jamie DePolo, 2023)
  • Particulate matter leading contributor of global disease burden in 2021 (Michael Brauer, Gregory A Roth, 2024)
  • PM2.5 with rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases (Harry Cockburn, 2022)
  • PM2.5 sources in the UK: 29% construction and industry, 20% road transport, 20% wood burning, 14% waste, 5% agriculture, 5% non-road transport, 7% other (Healthy Air Coalition, 2025)

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