What is particulate matter? How does particulate matter affect the biological world?
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM): The solid particles or liquid droplets (aerosols) remain suspended in the air. For example, smoke, soot, dust, asbestos, etc. SPM above the size of 10 mm is trapped by nasal hair, pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial mucus. The same is coughed out or deposited in the nose as nasal scales. Smaller particles of SPM reach the alveoli. There they may be attacked by phagocytes or pass into living cells. SPM causes irritation in the respiratory tract, bronchitis, and lung diseases. These particles may cause asbestosis, pneumoconiosis, etc. They also result in reduced visibility.
