airborne particles
Airborne particles are microscopic solids or liquids suspended in air, ranging from natural sources like pollen and Saharan dust to anthropogenic emissions such as coal dust and industrial pollutants.
They are classified by size, with PM10 and PM2.5 referring to particles smaller than 10 and 2.5 micrometers, respectively.
Ultrafine particles (<0.1 micrometers) can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, posing severe health risks like inflammation and silicosis.
Techniques like cyclone separators, HEPA filters, and acoustic agglomeration are used for dust suppression and air filtration.
Dust storms can transport airborne particles across continents, affecting visibility and air quality.
- dustFine settled particles
- fine dustMinuscule airborne solid particles
- construction dustParticulates from structural work
- aerosolsSuspended particles in gas
- dropletsMinute liquid globules
pollen · soot · volcanic ash · crop burning · allergens · smoke inhalation · wildfire smoke · secondhand smoke · PM2.5 · particulate matter · fungal spores · industrial emissions · nanomaterials · fibers · mist · microplastics · floating debris · bacteria
- disease spreadbloodborne, contact, droplets, fecal-oral, transmission
- industrial pollutionemissions, air pollution, pollutants, soot, smog
- Mining Hazardscave-in, collapse, explosion, methane, gas explosion
- nuclear radiationradiation exposure, radiation poisoning, radioactive isotopes, fallout, nuclear meltdown
- allergiesallergy, allergies, allergen, allergens, allergist
- nuisancespest, ants, bugs, flies, roaches