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Hey guys!
welcome to the 2nd video of 'casually explained ' series.
In this series, we are talking about some scientific terms which you regularly see & hear
in your daily life.
In this video, we are going to talk about
particulate matter or PM.
You must have heard about them from television
news and newspapers.
So, 'What are the particulate matter'
Particulate matter is the sum of all solid & liquid particles suspended in air.
It is a complex mixture which includes both organic & inorganic particles such as dust,
pollen, soot, some bacteria, smoke, cat allergens, and liquid droplets etc.
So let's have a look on their types and sources
Some particulate matter is directly injected
or entrained within the atmosphere for instance when fuel is burnt or when dust is carried
by the wind.
These particles are known as "Primary particulate matter".
Some particulate matter develops through the chemical process or chemical reaction among
"primary particulate matter".
These particles are known as "secondary particulate matter".
But the classification based on the size of the particle is widely accepted and used by
the governments around the world.
Based on size, the particulate matter is divided
into two main groups- PM 2.5 & PM 10.
PM 10 particles have a diameter which is less than 10 micrometer.
The human hair has at-least 6 times bigger diameter than PM 10.
The major sources of PM 10 include construction
sites, mining & quarrying activities, unpaved roads & farming activities etc.
PM 2.5 particles have a diameter which is less than 2.5 micrometer.
The major sources of PM 2.5 are combustion or fire.
That is why PM 2.5 is acquired from coal powered power stations, factories, refineries, vehicle
exhaust, wood & biomass burning, forest fires, volcanoes etc.
The PM 2.5 is much more deadly than PM 10.
As PM 2.5 particles are really small, they
can get deeper in your body through breathing or directly by penetrating the skin.
Let's take a look on some more facts
Particulate matters are measured by 2 technologies,
namely, light scattering photometer and optical or laser particle counter.
The safe limits of according to WHO are- 25 microgram per meter cube for PM 2.5
50 microgram per meter cube for PM 10
If particle exceeds the safe limits, they
can start causing some problems for the human.
Short-term exposure to these particles can lead to headaches, dizziness, irritation of
the eye, nose throat.
While long-term exposure can lead to Cardiovascular,
Respiratory, Cardiopulmonary diseases including Bronchitis, Lung Cancer & harmful developmental
& reproductive effects.
To know more about these watch our video on "Body & Pollution".
What do you think we can do to stop the pollution? Write in the comments box.
And for more such video subscribe to our channel.