MLchartDataset catalogue

Particulate Matter

Term · Environment · MLC-T-ENV-020302

1. A complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. It is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.

2. Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter, such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists, or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere.

3. Tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.

4. Particles in the air, such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets; may have significant effects on human health.

5. A criteria air pollutant. Particulate matter includes dust, soot and other tiny bits of solid materials that are released into and move around in the air. Particulates are produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by trucks and buses, incineration of garbage, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes such as steel making, mining operations, agricultural burning (field and slash burning), and operation of fireplaces and woodstoves. Particulate pollution can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and other health problems.

6. Solid particles or liquid droplets suspended or carried in the air.

7. Solid or liquid matter that is dispersed in a gas, or insoluble solid matter dispersed in a liquid, that gives a heterogeneous mixture.

8. Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere. See aerosol, sulfate aerosols.

9. A state of matter in which solid or liquid substances exist in the form of aggregated molecules or particles. Airborne particulate matter is typically in the size range of 0.01 to 100 micrometers.

10. Small dust-like particles emitted from hazardous waste combustion units.

11. Refers to small particles in the air that can be measured to determine air quality and potential health impacts. Airborne PM can result from direct emissions of particles (primary PM) or from the condensation of certain gases that have themselves been directly emitted or chemically transformed in the atmosphere (secondary PM). PM is often classified by size: PM2.5 and PM10.

12. PM2.5 - Also known as "fine" particulate matter, PM2.5 refers to the fraction of PM in a sample that is 2.5 microns in diameter or less. This size of PM is commonly associated with combustion and secondary PM.

13. PM10 - Also known as "coarse" particulate matter, PM10 refers to the fraction of PM in a sample that is 10 microns in diameter or less.

14. A criteria air pollutant. Particulate matter includes dust, soot and other tiny bits of solid materials that are released into and move around in the air. Particulates are produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by trucks and buses, incineration of garbage, mixing and application... of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes such as steel making, mining operations, agricultural burning (field and slash burning), and operation of fireplaces and woodstoves. Particulate pollution can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and other health problems.[Air Permitting Terms]Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere.

15. Any finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water, as measured by the reference methods specified under each applicable subpart, or an equivalent or alternative method. [40 CFR 60.2 (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from CISWI units as measured by Method 5 or Method 29 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A.

16. Total particulate matter emitted from MWC units as measured by Method 5 (see § 60.58a).[40 CFR 60.51a (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from an HMIWI as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 or EPA Reference Method 29.

17. Any airborne finely-divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers. [40 CFR 49.10711 (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from municipal waste combustion units as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 in appendix A of 40 CFR part 60 and the procedures specified in §62.15245.

18. Any finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water, as measured by the specific reference method. [40 CFR 63.1459 (CFR 2013)]

19. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a surrogate measure of the total emissions of particulate matter and metal HAP contained in the particulate matter, including but not limited to: Antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, and selenium as measured by Methods 5, 5B or 5F in appendix A-3 to part 60 of this chapter or by an approved alternative method.

20. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a measure of total particulate emissions and as a surrogate for metal hazardous air pollutants contained in the particulates, including but not limited to: Antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel and selenium.

21. Any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water. Particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, PM10 and PM2.5. [40 CFR 49.123 (CFR 2013)]Filterable particulate matter emitted from SSI units as measured by Method 5 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-3, or Methods 26A or 29 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A - 8.

22. Any airborne finely-divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers.

23. Total particulate matter emitted from municipal waste combustor units as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 (see § 60.58b(c)).

24. Any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water. Particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, PM10 and PM2.5.

25. Any material, except uncombined water, that exists as liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, or fumes at standard conditions (760 millimeters of mercury, 0 degrees celsius).

26. PM 10, PM 10C, PM 2.5, PM 10-2,5, or particulate matter of unspecified size range.

27. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a measure of total particulate emissions and as a surrogate for metal HAPs contained in the particulates, including but not limited to, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, and selenium.

28. Total filterable particulate matter as measured by EPA Method 5 (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-3), EPA Method 17 (§ 63.865(b)(1)) (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-6), or EPA Method 29 (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-8).

29. Particles in the air, such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and droplets. Small particles (PM-10 or PM-2.5) have significant effects on human health. Particulate matter is one of the six "criteria" pollutants for which EPA has established national ambient air quality standards.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-ENV-020302
FieldEnvironment
SubjectAir
AbbreviationPM
SynonymsPM-10
ReferencesGreening EPA Glossary; Clean Energy Glossary; Acid Rain Glossary; Childrens Health Protection Glossary; Air Permitting Terms; Improving Air Quality in Your Community Glossary; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Community-Based Air Pollution Projects Glossary; Glossary of Climate Change Terms; I-BEAM Glossary of Terms; RCRA Orientation Manual 2008 Glossary; Ports Primer for Communities Glossary; 40 CFR 62.14840 (CFR 2018); 40 CFR 62.14490 (CFR 2018); 40 CFR 62.15410 (CFR 2018); 40 CFR 63.1459 (CFR 2024); 40 CFR § 63.1579 (CFR 2016); 40 CFR 63.842 (CFR 2016); 40 CFR 62.16045 (CFR 2018); 40 CFR 49.10711 (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 60.51b (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 49.123 (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 63.702 (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 53.1 (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 63.1503 (CFR 2013); 40 CFR 63.861 (CFR 2018); America's Children and the Environment Terms
See alsoParticle Pollution; Particulates
Record as JSON 
{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-020302",
  "term": "Particulate Matter",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. It is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.\n\n2. Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter, such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists, or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere.\n\n3. Tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.\n\n4. Particles in the air, such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets; may have significant effects on human health.\n\n5. A criteria air pollutant. Particulate matter includes dust, soot and other tiny bits of solid materials that are released into and move around in the air. Particulates are produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by trucks and buses, incineration of garbage, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes such as steel making, mining operations, agricultural burning (field and slash burning), and operation of fireplaces and woodstoves. Particulate pollution can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and other health problems.\n\n6. Solid particles or liquid droplets suspended or carried in the air.\n\n7. Solid or liquid matter that is dispersed in a gas, or insoluble solid matter dispersed in a liquid, that gives a heterogeneous mixture.\n\n8. Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere. See aerosol, sulfate aerosols.\n\n9. A state of matter in which solid or liquid substances exist in the form of aggregated molecules or particles. Airborne particulate matter is typically in the size range of 0.01 to 100 micrometers.\n\n10. Small dust-like particles emitted from hazardous waste combustion units.\n\n11. Refers to small particles in the air that can be measured to determine air quality and potential health impacts. Airborne PM can result from direct emissions of particles (primary PM) or from the condensation of certain gases that have themselves been directly emitted or chemically transformed in the atmosphere (secondary PM). PM is often classified by size: PM2.5 and PM10.\n\n12. PM2.5 - Also known as \"fine\" particulate matter, PM2.5 refers to the fraction of PM in a sample that is 2.5 microns in diameter or less. This size of PM is commonly associated with combustion and secondary PM.\n\n13. PM10 - Also known as \"coarse\" particulate matter, PM10 refers to the fraction of PM in a sample that is 10 microns in diameter or less.\n\n14. A criteria air pollutant. Particulate matter includes dust, soot and other tiny bits of solid materials that are released into and move around in the air. Particulates are produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by trucks and buses, incineration of garbage, mixing and application... of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes such as steel making, mining operations, agricultural burning (field and slash burning), and operation of fireplaces and woodstoves. Particulate pollution can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and other health problems.[Air Permitting Terms]Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as particles of soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols. The physical characteristics of particles, and how they combine with other particles, are part of the feedback mechanisms of the atmosphere.\n\n15. Any finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water, as measured by the reference methods specified under each applicable subpart, or an equivalent or alternative method. [40 CFR 60.2 (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from CISWI units as measured by Method 5 or Method 29 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A.\n\n16. Total particulate matter emitted from MWC units as measured by Method 5 (see § 60.58a).[40 CFR 60.51a (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from an HMIWI as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 or EPA Reference Method 29.\n\n17. Any airborne finely-divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers. [40 CFR 49.10711 (CFR 2013)]Total particulate matter emitted from municipal waste combustion units as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 in appendix A of 40 CFR part 60 and the procedures specified in §62.15245.\n\n18. Any finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water, as measured by the specific reference method. [40 CFR 63.1459 (CFR 2013)]\n\n19. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a surrogate measure of the total emissions of particulate matter and metal HAP contained in the particulate matter, including but not limited to: Antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, and selenium as measured by Methods 5, 5B or 5F in appendix A-3 to part 60 of this chapter or by an approved alternative method.\n\n20. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a measure of total particulate emissions and as a surrogate for metal hazardous air pollutants contained in the particulates, including but not limited to: Antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel and selenium.\n\n21. Any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water. Particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, PM10 and PM2.5. [40 CFR 49.123 (CFR 2013)]Filterable particulate matter emitted from SSI units as measured by Method 5 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-3, or Methods 26A or 29 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A - 8.\n\n22. Any airborne finely-divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers.\n\n23. Total particulate matter emitted from municipal waste combustor units as measured by EPA Reference Method 5 (see § 60.58b(c)).\n\n24. Any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material, other than uncombined water. Particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, PM10 and PM2.5.\n\n25. Any material, except uncombined water, that exists as liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, or fumes at standard conditions (760 millimeters of mercury, 0 degrees celsius).\n\n26. PM 10, PM 10C, PM 2.5, PM 10-2,5, or particulate matter of unspecified size range.\n\n27. For the purposes of this subpart, emissions of particulate matter that serve as a measure of total particulate emissions and as a surrogate for metal HAPs contained in the particulates, including but not limited to, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, and selenium.\n\n28. Total filterable particulate matter as measured by EPA Method 5 (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-3), EPA Method 17 (§ 63.865(b)(1)) (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-6), or EPA Method 29 (40 CFR part 60, appendix A-8).\n\n29. Particles in the air, such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and droplets. Small particles (PM-10 or PM-2.5) have significant effects on human health. Particulate matter is one of the six \"criteria\" pollutants for which EPA has established national ambient air quality standards.",
  "abbreviation": "PM",
  "synonyms": [
    "PM-10"
  ],
  "subject": "Air",
  "see_also": [
    "Particle Pollution",
    "Particulates"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Greening EPA Glossary",
    "Clean Energy Glossary",
    "Acid Rain Glossary",
    "Childrens Health Protection Glossary",
    "Air Permitting Terms",
    "Improving Air Quality in Your Community Glossary; Greenhouse Gas Emissions",
    "Community-Based Air Pollution Projects Glossary",
    "Glossary of Climate Change Terms",
    "I-BEAM Glossary of Terms",
    "RCRA Orientation Manual 2008 Glossary",
    "Ports Primer for Communities Glossary",
    "40 CFR 62.14840 (CFR 2018)",
    "40 CFR 62.14490 (CFR 2018)",
    "40 CFR 62.15410 (CFR 2018)",
    "40 CFR 63.1459 (CFR 2024)",
    "40 CFR § 63.1579 (CFR 2016)",
    "40 CFR 63.842 (CFR 2016)",
    "40 CFR 62.16045 (CFR 2018)",
    "40 CFR 49.10711 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 60.51b (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 49.123 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 63.702 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 53.1 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 63.1503 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 63.861 (CFR 2018)",
    "America's Children and the Environment Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/particulate-matter/"
}

Record 20,302 of 30,736 in Environment terminology (MLC-0121). Request the full dataset.