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PM2.5

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PM2.5

Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), is made up of very small particles in the air including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and drops of liquid. PM particles are small enough to be breathed into the deepest parts of your lungs, and even into your bloodstream.1

Particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are referred to as PM2.5. For comparison, a strand of hair is about 70 micrometers wide.1 Sources of PM2.5 include vehicle exhaust, power plants, and factories. It is also released from forest, leaf, and grass fires, outdoor wood boilers, and tobacco smoke. These small particles are the most likely to contribute to serious health problems.Urban areas, communities near industrial facilities, and areas near major highways or with high levels of traffic can experience higher levels of particulate matter air pollution.2

Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 data are available on the MiTracking data portal.