Particulate Matter

Particulate matter (PM), also called particle pollution, is a complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in air. These particles may include, but are not limited to: dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and drops of liquid. Particles can vary in size, shape, and composition. Particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller, including PM10, PM2.5 and ultra-fine particles (UFPs), are inhalable. This can lead to airway irritation and other possible health effects over time. 

Potential Sources of Indoor PM: 

• Any exhaust from combustion products: woodstoves, pellet stove, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters, oil furnaces, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys
• Tobacco smoke and electronic cigarettes
• Candles, incense, electric oil diffusers/pad diffusers and air fresheners
• Vacuum cleaners without HEPA filtration
• Laser printers and copiers
• Household cleaning products
• Indoor construction without appropriate containment measures
• 3D printers, laser cutters, and soldering
• Biological sources: pollens, mold spores, dust mites and cockroaches
• Outdoors: cars, trucks, construction sites 

Air Quality Standard for Particulate Matter: 

At present, there are no established levels for PM in indoor air. The outdoor PM standard is listed in the following table: 

Source: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Table. 

* Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards provide public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. 

Tips for Reducing Exposure to Indoor PM: 

• Smoking and vaping is not permitted in University buildings or on University Property in accordance with the University’s Tobacco-Free Policy
• Equipment capable of generating particles should be kept and used in a well-ventilated area or with appropriate local exhaust.  Ensure equipment is maintained, including any necessary cleaning, in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations.  This is especially important for combustion devices as the use of improper fuels or feed rates can exacerbate particle pollution and increase fire risk. A persistent yellow-tipped flame is generally an indication of maladjustment of fuel to oxygen ratio and increased pollutant emissions. 
• Use clean and efficient combustion products. Woodstoves should be certified as meeting EPA emission standards and properly sized.
• Air cleaners with HEPA filters can help remove some PM2.5 and PM10 from air. Please see the Air Purifier section.
• Air fresheners and cleaning products can also contribute to indoor PM pollution.  Please see the Air Freshener section for more information regarding selecting and using air fresheners.
• Outdoor particles may enter indoor spaces and contribute to indoor PM levels. Please check AirNow (https://www.airnow.gov/) for the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area.  The AQI gives an indication of the PM levels outdoors. 
• Elevated pollen levels may cause allergic reactions including hay fever, itchy eyes, runny nose, and irritated airways. Please check the pollen counts through Pollen.com or The Weather Channel to see local pollen levels. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) provides pollen counts as well, but there is currently no available information for Massachusetts.
• Regular housekeeping is important to minimize indoor PM levels.
• Indoor activities, such as construction, can generate PM pollution.  Individuals who perform construction work on campus are educated on appropriate dust mitigation techniques and strategies, which can include the use of containment (plastic sheeting), exhaust fans, wet cutting and sanding methods, or source containment with HEPA filtered collectors.