Particulate Matter and Indoor Air Quality
Every day, you take about 22,000 breaths. The oxygen you inhale goes to your bloodstream, which acts as a highway to your organs and tissues. But oxygen isn't the only thing found in the air. It also includes various types of particulate matter that are harmful to health.
Airborne particulates can be found indoors and outdoors. Most can't be seen, but some are large enough to view without a microscope. For commercial real estate owners, enhancing indoor air quality is a major concern. Occupants expect a safe space with clean air to breathe. Fortunately, there are tools available that monitor air particulates and alert you to potential issues.
What Is Particulate Matter?
Particulate matter consists of tiny liquid and solid droplets found in the air. Particulates can include inorganic compounds, acids, chemicals, dust, mold, and other substances that aren't healthy for the respiratory system.
All air contains particle pollution. It's impossible to completely escape it. You'll find particulate matter inside your home, throughout large cities, and even on rural farms. It arises from different human-induced sources, such as construction sites and vehicles. But it can also occur from everyday activities like cooking.
In an indoor setting, particulate matter circulates through the air. When inhaled, it contributes to the development of serious health issues, including respiratory illness and heart disease. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions (like asthma) are especially at risk.
Primary Types of Particulate Matter
How many types of particulate matter are there? Scientists classify particulates into three groups based on diameter size.
PM10: Coarse Particles
Coarse particles, scientifically known as PM10, are the largest. They range from 2.5 to 10 micrometers in size. Primary sources of coarse particles include landfills, wildfires, and some agricultural activities. Fuels used for heating also contribute to PM10 levels.
Some indoor activities, such as smoking and cooking, can generate PM10 particles. Paints and other building materials are other known sources of PM10. Natural contributors of PM10 particles include mold spores, sea salt, and pollen.
PM2.5: Fine Particles
Fine particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Their tiny size makes them impossible to see with the naked eye. When inhaled, fine particles can pass through the lungs and throat and embed within lung alveoli. They may also enter the bloodstream.
Sources of fine particles include car emissions and fossil fuel plants. Indoor activities such as burning candles and frying food also generate fine particles.
PM0.1: Ultrafine Particles
Ultrafine particles (sometimes called ultrafine dust) have a diameter smaller than 0.1 micrometer. They're the most dangerous type of particulate matter because of their ability to traverse the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream.
Main sources of ultrafine particles include vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires. Indoor sources include cooking and vacuuming. Smoking cigarettes or vaping indoors also generates ultrafine particles.
Health Effects of Different Particulate Sizes
Particulate matter of any size has adverse consequences on health. However, PM2.5 and PM0.1 particles are believed to be the most dangerous since they can penetrate the lungs and traverse the bloodstream.
Short-term health risks associated with particulate matter include eye and throat irritation and respiratory illness. Long-term exposure elevates the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. Particulate matter can also exacerbate symptoms for people with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma. Children are at elevated risk, too, since their respiratory and circulatory systems are still developing.
Commercial property owners can monitor and measure particulate matter levels with sensors. These devices detect coarse and fine particulate matter in indoor spaces. Owners and facility management staff can view real-time indoor air quality scores through a dedicated software platform or app.
Awareness of poor air quality allows staff to take preventive action before it adversely affects occupant health.
Strategies to Reduce Indoor Particulate Matter
Indoor spaces lack natural air circulation that's found outdoors. However, there are several ways property owners and occupants can improve indoor air quality and circulation.
Ventilation and Filtration Systems
Owners can install a mechanized ventilation system on a commercial property. These systems work by capturing old "stale" air and replacing it with fresh air brought in from outdoors.
Older buildings, or commercial properties used for residential purposes, often don't have mechanized ventilation systems. If your property lacks one, improve ventilation by opening windows and using ceiling fans. Running the air conditioning unit with the vent open may improve air quality.
Standard HVAC systems contain filters that trap air contaminants. They remove most particle matter, but they require regular replacement to maintain their effectiveness.
Larger commercial buildings benefit from specially designed air filtration systems. For example, systems for industrial buildings may include filters that remove emissions and exhaust.
Smart Building Technology and IoT Monitoring
An indoor air quality monitoring system measures particulate matter and other harmful substances. It provides a detailed look at a property's air quality so owners and staff can take swift action if it becomes unsafe. Monitoring systems use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to track air conditions throughout a commercial building. Stand-alone monitoring systems are also available for smaller, residential spaces.
Maintenance and Best Practices
Preventative actions go a long way to keeping the indoor air clean. Replace air filters regularly and use natural ventilation to improve air circulation. Avoid activities that generate particulate matter when possible.
Installing an indoor air quality system is critical, especially in commercial spaces. It can alert you to harmful levels of particulate matter so you can take corrective action.
Attune's indoor air monitoring system contains customizable hardware that detects particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more. To learn how Attune can benefit your property, schedule a demo with our team.
FAQs About Particulate Matter and IAQ
Why Are Ultrafine Particles Considered the Most Harmful?
Ultrafine particles are small enough to infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, enabling them to reach the brain, heart, and other bodily organs. A buildup of ultrafine particles can cause heart disease and contribute to cancer.
Can Air Purifiers Remove Particulate Matter Effectively?
Yes, air purifiers significantly reduce indoor particulate matter. HEPA filters are considered the most effective. They remove 99.97% of particles with a 0.3 micrometer diameter or larger.
