Particulate matter (PM) is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles found in the air that can be harmful to your health. PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller) can pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs. PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller) can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream, making them more harmful.
FAQ
General
Particulate matter can be produced by human activities as well as from natural sources, including:
- car and truck exhausts
- industry
- bush fires
- smoke from fires and wood heaters
- dust storms
- dust from unsealed roads and earthworks, including agriculture
- sea salt
- pollen fragments.
Short-term exposure (hours or days) can make existing health problems worse. Long-term exposure (months or years) can cause new diseases to appear or make existing diseases worsen more quickly over time
Some people may be more impacted by pollution than others:
- children
- people over the age of 65
- pregnant people
- people with heart or lung conditions
Regulation
The South Australian Environment Protection Agency (SA EPA) monitors and regulates South Australia’s air quality. SA EPA works with industry and the community to manage air quality; SA Health works with SA EPA to understand the impacts of poor air quality on the health of South Australians.
There are national standards for common air pollutants to minimise the impact on human health and wellbeing known as the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) –Ambient Air Quality.
For instance, daily concentrations of PM10 at the industry sites, such as mining facilities, should not exceed 50µg/m³