Particulate PM 2.5 Attainment Map
Particulate PM 10 Attainment Map
PM 2.5 SIP Submittal Documents are located on the
State Implementation Plan
page.
Particulate matter consists of solid particles, fine liquid droplets, or condensed liquids adsorbed onto solid particles. Particulate with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers in diameter is referred to as PM 10 while very fine particles equal to or less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter is referred to as PM 2.5.
Particulate emissions are primarily composed of smoke, dust, dirt, soot, fly ash, and condensing vapors. The particles or droplets are composed of different elements depending on the emission source. Chemical reactions can occur in the atmosphere and form new chemical compounds or change the form from gases and liquids into solid particles. Industrial processes that cause these emissions include combustion, incineration, construction, mining, metal smelting, metal processing, and grinding. Non-industrial sources include motor vehicle exhaust, road dust, wind-blown soil, forest fires, volcanic activity, and farm operations.
PM 10
Standard
:
Annual average PM 10 levels over the decade have remained at nearly one-half of the standard.
Michigan
has been designated as being in attainment with the PM 10 particulate National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) since
October 4, 1996.
PM 2.5
Standard
:
The EPA implemented a new standard for very fine particles (2.5 micrometers or less), which are a particular concern for lung and cardiovascular effects. On
December 17, 2004
, the EPA designated seven counties in the Detroit-Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area (southeast
Michigan
) as nonattainment for the PM 2.5 NAAQS: Livingston,
Macomb
,
Monroe
,
Oakland
, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and
Wayne
counties.
PM 2.5 NAAQS:
Annual arithmetic mean not to exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) (based on a three-year average); or
98th percentile of 24-hour concentration not to exceed 65 µg/m3
(based on a three-year average). Under the Clean Air Act, those areas that violate the NAAQS, or are nearby and contribute to a violation, are considered "nonattainment."
PM 2.5 may form from nearby and long-range sources of emissions. Speciation filter analysis will help to determine the source contribution of the particles and will be essential in developing a strategy for attainment.
Health Effects
:
Particulate matter can affect breathing and the defenses of the lungs, and aggravates existing respiratory and heart disease. More serious effects may occur depending on the length of exposure, the concentration, and the chemical nature of the particulate matter. Asthmatics and individuals with chronic lung and/or heart disease, people with influenza, the elderly, and children are the most susceptible. Fine particulate is especially problematic, because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain there.
Other Effects
:
Particulate matter is the major cause of reduced visibility in many parts of the U.S. PM 2.5 is considered to be an important visibility-reducing component of urban and regional haze. Airborne particles can also impact vegetation and ecosystems and can cause damage to paints, building materials and/or surfaces. Deposition of acid aerosols and salts may increase corrosion of metals and impact plant tissue by corroding leaf surfaces and interfering with plant metabolism.
Other Resources
:
For more information about particulate matter, please contact
Teresa Walker
at 517‑335‑2247, or e‑mail:
walkertr@michigan.gov
.
Additional information about particulate matter and its effects can be found on the following EPA websites:
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