How Does Particulate Matter Affect Me?

Everyone in Arizona is affected when we have high amounts of particulate matter in the air.

Health Issues

Both PM10 and PM2.5 are a health concern because these particles are so small that they usually pass through your throat and nose, enter the lungs, and may even get into the bloodstream. PM2.5 is believed to pose the greatest health risk because these tiny particles can get stuck deep in the lungs.

A February 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that particulate air pollution — especially PM2.5 — is strongly and statistically linked to increased heart and cardiovascular disease, particularly among women.

Everyone can have temporary symptoms from high amounts of particulate matter in the air. People at a higher risk are children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung disease, such as asthma.

Visibility

What you see...

Ask any commuter what they see out the window on a crisp, winter morning, and you’ll get the same response. With a look of disgust they’ll say, “The brown cloud.”

...And what you don’t see...

Particulate matter reduces our view of the Phoenix skyline. Especially in the winter, the mountains seem to disappear and the beauty of the Arizona landscape is literally lost in the haze.

Particulate matter travels surprisingly long distances by wind. Studies show that visibility in the Grand Canyon is affected by air pollution from as far away as Los Angeles and pollution sources throughout the Southwest.

Environmental Damage

When particulate matter settles in a lake or in the soil, environmental damage can include:

• Making water acidic
• Changing the nutrient balance in waters and large river basins
• Depleting the nutrients in soil
• Damaging sensitive forests and farm crops and affecting ecosystems

Other effects of PM include:

• Damaging paint
• Making clean clothes dirty

You Can Help

Find out about the Dirty Dozen and learn how you can help to Bring Back Blue.