Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a complex mixture of very small solid particles and liquid droplets 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. People exposed to fine particulate matter pollution inhale these fine particles, and the particles enter and get lodged in their lungs. Fine particulate matter pollution increases asthma, bronchitis, and heart attack rates. The EPA has determined that a Clean Air Act fine particulate matter standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter is “necessary to protect human health.” Fine particulate matter concentrations in much of Eastern Iowa are near or exceeding this Clean Air Act standard.

Fine particulate matter in Iowa comes from a variety of sources. Fine particulate matter is emitted directly into the air from combustion sources such as coal plants, motor vehicles, and open burning. In addition, fine particulate matter is formed in the air via chemical reactions of fine particulate matter precursors (nitrous oxides, sulfur oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds).

Fine Particulate Matter Concentrations

Recorded by Iowa DNR Monitors from 2005-2007

Figure:

Locations of fine particulate matter monitors in Iowa and PM2.5 24-hour design values for 2005-2007.

See http://www.iowadnr.com/air/prof/monitor/monitor.html.

For more information about fine particulate matter pollution:

Iowa DNR: Air Bureau – air pollution monitoring

[http://www.iowadnr.gov/air/prof/monitor/monitor.html]

For information about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations recorded in Iowa from 2000 to the present. See “Iowa PM2.5 Design Values” and “Exceedances of Health Standards (AQI and NAAQS).”

AIRNOW web site

[http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.currentmaps]

For information about current fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Iowa and throughout the United States.

Environmental Protection Agency – particulate matter research

[http://www.epa.gov/pmresearch]

For information about fine particulate matter, including information about sources of fine particulate matter, health impacts of fine particulate matter, and the scientific bases for the EPA’s decision to adopt a 24-hour fine particulate matter standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter to protect human health.

World Health Organization. (2006) WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide: Global update 2005 (WHO Press; Geneva, Switzerland).

[http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf]

For an explanation of the World Health Organization’s decision to adopt fine particulate matter air quality guidelines of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (annual mean) and 25 micrograms per cubic meter (24-hour mean). The World Health Organization is an agency within the United Nations that works to promote health throughout the world by providing scientifically based policy recommendations. The World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines are based on expert evaluation of current scientific evidence and are intended to provide appropriate targets for air quality management throughout the world.

World Health Organization. (2006) WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide: Global update 2005 (WHO Press; Geneva, Switzerland).

[http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf]

For an explanation of the World Health Organization’s decision to adopt fine particulate matter air quality guidelines of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (annual mean) and 25 micrograms per cubic meter (24-hour mean). The World Health Organization is an agency within the United Nations that works to promote health throughout the world by providing scientifically based policy recommendations. The World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines are based on expert evaluation of current scientific evidence and are intended to provide appropriate targets for air quality management throughout the world.