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Particulate matter is composed of waste of various types, which are extremely toxic and polluting

The burning of fossil fuels is a major environmental problem, responsible not only for the release of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that strongly contributes to global warming, but also for the emission of particulate matter, a residue of this extreme burning. toxicity. Composed of a mixture of several very small particles, the particulate material can also be generated in other processes, such as in agriculture or in fires.

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According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particulate matter is a mixture of particles of various materials, all of which are about five times finer than a strand of hair or even smaller than droplets of liquid substances. These particles can be organic chemical compounds, acids such as sulfates and nitrates, metals, and even dust.

Also according to the EPA, particulate matter (PM) can be divided into two categories. PM2.5 is made up of particles up to 2.5 micrometers in size and can be found in fog and smoke. PM10, with particles of size between 2.5 and 10 micrometers, can be found in regions close to industries.

Particulate Material Sources

The particulate material can originate in the most different places and processes. Fuel burning is an example, both in heaters, fireplaces and boilers, and in fossil fuel-powered vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats, planes and tractors.

Factories and power plants, which use fuel to run their turbines, also emit particulate matter during their activities. Fires, agriculture and hospitals are also responsible for emissions of this type of material.

The EPA states that the main sources of PM2.5 are, in descending order, dust, fuel combustion, and motor vehicles. The same can be said for PM10 sources, with the addition of agriculture.

Environmental impact

One of the most common types of particulate material is carbon black, also called soot simplified. Its origins are the incomplete burning of diesel and fires. This type of pollutant is the second largest contributor to global warming, second only to CO2 - to learn more about black carbon, read our special article on the subject.

There are studies that point to other problems generated by particulate matter. One of these works attests to the increase in cloud density, making it difficult for sunlight to enter the atmosphere, creating a process known as radiative forcing. This would cause environmental impacts such as a decrease in the frequency of precipitation and acid rain.

But what is most worrying is the uncertainty about climate forecasts, due to this type of particulate matter emission. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "while the radiative forcing caused by greenhouse gases can be determined to a reasonably high degree of accuracy, the uncertainties regarding particulate matter remain high, and depend largely on estimates from global modeling studies that, at the time, are difficult to verify".

Impact on human health

The small particles and droplets present in the particulate material, mainly in PM2.5, are responsible for a series of health problems. Studies point to several diseases caused by contamination of particulate matter, such as premature cardiac death, heart problems such as heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmia. There are also reports of the development of asthma in children and other problems related to the respiratory system, such as airway irritation, coughing and breathing difficulties.

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Combat and solutions

In most countries there are laws that regulate the levels of emissions of particulate matter and, to adapt to the required standards, industries use technology to reduce their emissions. One of the most used are electrostatic precipitators, a special type of filter.

In North and South America, diesel combustion is a major contributor to particulate matter emissions. In Brazil, although slow, there are advances with this type of issue. The S10 diesel is already available on the market, less polluting and less harmful to health, but still an environmental problem.

In some cities in the country there is a vehicle inspection system, which monitors the levels of emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter from cars registered in the city.

But you can also contribute to reducing particulate matter emissions. Use public transport, preferably those not powered by fossil fuels, such as the subway or train. When possible and safe, use your bicycle or walk. If you really need to use an individual car, choose less polluting fuels for your fuel, such as ethanol, and always be up to date with your car maintenance.

It is also important to pay attention to the necessary precautions to prevent forest fires. Do not release balloons and do not make fires in places close to forests. Do not throw cigarette butts, especially in wooded places or on roadsides. And don't forget to put pressure on the responsible authorities and large companies to reduce dangerous particulate matter emissions.