Particle Pollution

Particle pollution (also called particulate matter or PM) is simply solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. Exposure to these suspended particles and droplets can cause serious health problems in humans, especially those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and cardiac disease. The Air Management Program monitors particle pollution around the state and issues watches and advisories when levels become potentially harmful.

To reduce particle pollution, the state and federal regulations target Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants and industrial combustion sources. Additionally, mobile source control programs such low-emission vehicles and cleaner gasoline help reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and NOx emissions from mobile sources.

The following links provide information for residents, business owners, educators, journalists and others looking for more about particle pollution including health effects, air quality watches and advisories, state and federal regulations, monitoring data and other resources. More information on particle pollution can be found at EPA’s particle pollution website [exit DNR].

• Particle Pollution Basics
  Information about particle pollution formation and its effects on human health, along with educational resources for adults and K-12.
• Air Quality Watches & Advisories
  Updates on issued watches and advisories, background on the watch/advisory program and links to sign up for e-mail alerts.
• Standards and Nonattainment Designations
  Overview of federal and state standards on particulate matter and information on areas with harmful particle pollution levels that are designated as “nonattainment” areas.
• Control Strategies and Regulations
  Information on specific programs to control particle pollution, including links to pages on mobile sources, interstate transportation and voluntary emission reduction programs.
• Resources and Air Monitoring Data
  Links to current and historical air monitoring data, publications and other related resources.
• Visibility Protection
  Overview of the state and federal efforts to protect visibility in national parks and other pristine areas in the country.

For more information on particle pollution, please contact:

Larry Bruss, Regional Pollutant and Mobile Source Section Chief
608.267.7543

|| Air Quality Basics || Air Quality and Health ||