Particulate Monitoring Systems

Particulate matter, or “Particulate Pollution” refers to tiny solid or liquid particles that are suspended in the air. Particulate matter is produced from a wide variety of sources, both natural and human based, both large and small. They are comprised of emitted particles, and secondary particles formed in the atmosphere through interactions of pollutants like sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds!

Wood and fossil-fuel burning are the two main human-caused sources. Particulate matter that is 10 Microns in diameter or less is called PM10. Of major concern are particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter (PM2.5) as they can lodge deep within the lungs, causing both respiratory and cardiac issues.

Particulate Matter 0.1

This is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of up to 0.1 µm, referred to as the ultrafine particle fraction. Generally, regulations do not exist for this size class of ambient air pollution particles. Due to their small size, these are believed to have several more aggressive health implications than those classes of larger particulates. UFP could be a result of certain chemical byproducts, like process emissions, smoke, combustion reactions, or equipment such as printer toner and vehicular exhaust.

Particulate Matter 2.5

This is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of up to 2.5 µm, referred to as the fine particle fraction (which, by definition, includes the ultrafine particles). Particles of this size range can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching even the lungs. These fine particles can be tracked primarily to a car, truck, bus and off-road vehicle exhausts, and certain operations that involve the burning of fuels such as wood, heating oil or coal and natural sources such as forest and grass fires.

Particulate Matter 10

This is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of up to 10 µm, i.e. the fine and coarse particle fractions combined. Particles in this size range make up a large proportion of dust that can be drawn deep into the lungs. Larger particles tend to be trapped in the nose, mouth or throat. Dust and smoke are both visible examples of particulate matter 10.

Adverse Health Effects

Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. A continued exposure to particulate matter can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Many recent scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and even deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease.

People with breathing difficulty and cardiovascular issues, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to Particulate matter pollution.

Monitoring PM Pollution

Our Scentroid labs have developed several unique ways to monitor and measure particulate matter pollution. We have created stationary continuous monitoring systems (for both indoors and outdoors), mobile systems that can be carried, and systems that operate with the assistance of a vehicle (Drone-based or automobile based). See below for some of our latest Scentroid Technology, or click this button to request to speak to a consultant.