What is PM1.0?

PM1.0 refers to ​particulate matter with a diameter of ​1.0 micrometer (µm) or smaller. These ultrafine particles are a subset of air pollution and are significantly smaller than PM2.5 (≤2.5 µm) and PM10 (≤10 µm). Their tiny size allows them to penetrate deeply into the respiratory system and even enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

Sources:

• ​Combustion Processes: Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants.
• ​Natural Sources: Wildfires, dust storms, volcanic ash.
• ​Indoor Activities: Cooking (especially frying), smoking, burning candles, and incense.
• ​Secondary Formation: Chemical reactions in the atmosphere from gases like SO₂ and NOₓ.

Health Impacts:

• ​Short-Term: Irritation of eyes, throat, and lungs; exacerbation of asthma and allergies.
• ​Long-Term: Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions.
• ​Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk.

Environmental Effects:

• Reduced visibility (haze).
• Contribution to acid rain and ecosystem damage.
• Long atmospheric lifetime due to small size, enabling widespread dispersal.

Measurement Techniques:

• ​Beta Attenuation Monitors: Measure particle density by beta radiation absorption.
• ​Light Scattering Sensors: Detect particle concentration via laser diffraction.
• ​Gravimetric Analysis: Weighing particles collected on filters.

Regulations and Guidelines:

• While ​WHO has guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10, PM1.0 is not yet explicitly regulated globally.
• Some countries, like China and India, monitor PM1.0 in high-pollution regions.
• Regulatory focus remains on PM2.5/PM10, but research highlights PM1.0's unique risks.

Mitigation Strategies:

• ​Indoors: Use HEPA-filter air purifiers, avoid smoking, and ventilate cooking areas.
• ​Outdoors: Reduce vehicle emissions, promote clean energy, and monitor industrial activity.
• ​Personal Protection: N95/KN95 masks in highly polluted areas.

Key Comparisons:

• ​Size: PM1.0 < PM2.5 < PM10.
• ​Penetration: PM1.0 reaches alveoli and bloodstream; PM2.5 lodges in lungs; PM10 trapped in upper airways.
• ​Monitoring: Less routine than PM2.5/PM10 but increasingly recognized in air quality studies.

Understanding PM1.0 is critical for addressing air quality and public health challenges, particularly in urban and industrial settings.