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What is PM1
“PM” (Particulate Matter) is not a single pollutant, but refers to a complex mixture of solids and aerosols of varying shape, size, and chemical composition and may contain many chemical species like organic compounds, inorganic ios, metallic compounds, elementary carbon, etc.

The ultra-fine inhalable particles that are less than or equal to 1 micrometer in diameter are collectively known as PM1. They are more than 400 times thinner than a human hair (too small to be detectable by the human eye) that can penetrate directly through the lungs into the bloodstream when inhaled.

PM1 are extremely fine particles and a major subset of PM2.5 that are likely to reach deeper into the body than PM2.5, making them even more harmful as they can reach other organs through the bloodstream. PM1 particles in the atmosphere remain suspended into the air due to their negligible mass making it more susceptible to exposure. Because of their very small size, PM1 undergoes various transformations due to either coagulation, condensation, evaporation, and/or deposition in the atmosphere. They are ultimately removed after a long time mainly by activation in clouds and subsequent precipitation.

Sources
Particulate matter PM1 are either directly emitted from a source (primary PM) or are formed through the chemical reactions of gases such as oxides of sulfur (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), organic compounds, etc. in the atmosphere (secondary PM). The natural sources of PM1 particulate matter are marine aerosol, soil erosion, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires. Anthropogenic sources of PM1 include:

Health & Environmental Impact of PM1

Health Impact
The potential of the particulate matter to affect human health depends directly on the size of particulate matter. When inhaled, the particles with up to 2.5 μm diameter generally pass through the nose and throat and travel deep into the lungs through the respiratory tract. However, PM1 particles i.e. particles with diameter less than 1 μm, are so small that they can travel deeper into the lungs to the alveoli (i.e. the tiny sacs in the lungs where O2 and CO2 are exchanged). Some PM1 particles pass through the alveoli cell membranes and enter the bloodstream and can reach to other parts of the body. They can damage the inner walls of the arteries and can penetrate the tissues, potentially spreading through the organs and damaging them.

When inhaled for short periods, PM1 irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tracts, coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. It aggravates already present respiratory diseases such as asthma and can result in premature mortality, acute and chronic bronchitis, other respiratory symptoms, etc.

Environmental impact
The major environmental impacts of PM1 pollution are visibility reduction and smog. Particulate matter, specifically the ones with a diameter less than 2.5 μm alters the absorption and scattering of light in the atmosphere affecting visibility. Additionally, the settling of the air-borne particles on plants, soil, and water ecosystems have harmful effects on them. The metal and organic compounds reduce plant growth and yield while the deposition of PM into water bodies affects its quality and clarity.

Possible corrective measures
Limit outdoor activities and close windows and vents during times of high air pollution.
Avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long.
Avoid areas with traffic congestions, construction activities, or unpaved roads. Breathing such polluted air daily also leads to health effects in the long run.
Eliminate the use of the fireplace, wood stove, gas-powered lawn, or garden equipment.
Eliminate open burning of leaves, trash or other materials
Measurement methods of air particulate monitoring
Different working principles for air particulate monitoring in the ambient environment are Gravimetric, Beta Attenuation (BAM), and Laser scattering.

Oizom’s working principle for air particulate monitoring
Oizom’s DUSTROID is an online particulate monitoring system that measures the concentration of various particulate sizes ranging from 1 micron to 100 microns such as PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and PM100 in the ambient air. Our PM sensor works on the principle of laser scattering. The active sampling powered sensor-based air quality monitor DUSTROID is deployed across several cities, campuses, universities and is used for drawing actionable insights to tackle the rise in ambient PM1 concentrations.

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