Particulate matter pollution

• Particulate matter also called particle pollution refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. 
• Particle pollution includes:
  • PM10 : Particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and
  • PM2.5 : fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

• Sources for particulate matter pollution include vehicle exhaust, burning wood, gas and other fuels, forest fires, etc
• Breathing in unhealthy levels of PM2.5 can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight. 

Why in News?

• A study has identified 135 million premature deaths worldwide between 1980 and 2020, due to Particulate matter pollution.

Findings of the study

• The study found that people were dying younger than the average life expectancy from diseases or conditions that could have been treated or prevented, including stroke, heart and lung disease, and cancer.
• Asia has the highest number of premature deaths attributable to PM 2.5 pollution at more than 98 million people, mostly in China and India.
• Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Japan also had significant numbers of premature deaths, ranging from 2 to 5 million people.

Sources

• https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader?utm_source=Hindu&utm_medium=Menu&utm_campaign=Header
• https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics