Particle Pollution (PM2.5): Frequently Asked Questions

How does DNR determine how much particle pollution is in Wisconsin's air?
The DNR operates a network that measures particle pollution (also called PM2.5) in Wisconsin's air at 20 locations around the state.

As part of its mission to protect public health, the Department measures particle pollution on a real-time continuous basis at 11 sites in Wisconsin . These instruments directly measure particle pollution in real time as it collects on a dime-sized filter. These continuous monitors are located at monitoring sites in the following counties: Milwaukee (2), Waukesha, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Manitowoc, Brown, Taylor, St. Croix, Sauk, and Dodge. DNR started using this type of monitor in 2002. When any of these monitors shows particle pollution levels above the the level considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals (orange AQI level), the DNR calls an air quality health advisory for the affected geographic area. The DNR determines the affected area based on analysis of air monitoring and meteorological data.

The Department also collects particle pollution samples once every three days at 19 sites and once every six days at one site. The samples collected once every three or six days are weighed at the State Lab of Hygiene, and the results are reported back to the DNR. These devices are located at monitoring sites in the following counties: Milwaukee (5), Waukesha, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Manitowoc, Brown, Outagamie, Waupaca, Dane, Grant, Dodge, Sauk, Taylor, St. Croix, and Vilas. DNR started using this type of monitor in 1997 to determine whether Wisconsin's air meets the federal health standard for exposure to particle pollution.

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Does Wisconsin have any areas that don't meet federal health standards for particle pollution?
A county or related group of counties where air pollution levels persistently exceed the national ambient air quality standards is called a nonattainment area. There are currently no nonattainment areas for particle pollution in Wisconsin. Designations are based on the values recorded by 20 discrete monitors as noted above. The 11 continuous monitors are not used for nonattainment area designations.

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Where does particle pollution come from?
Fine particles are produced any time fuels such as coal, oil, diesel or wood are burned. Fine particles come from fuel used in everything from power plants to wood stoves and motor vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses and marine engines). These particles are even produced by construction equipment, agricultural burning and forest fires.

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Is particle pollution worse now than it used to be?
Particle pollution levels are lower now than they used to be. According to EPA's recent Particle Pollution Report (exit DNR), national fine particulate concentrations in 2003 were the lowest since nationwide monitoring began in 1999, have decreased 10% since 1999, and are about 30% lower than EPA estimates they were 25 years ago.

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What is DNR doing about particle pollution?
The Department uses sophisticated air quality monitors to measure particle pollution in the air. DNR issues health advisories when particle pollution is monitored at levels that can be unhealthy for sensitive people. This enables affected individuals to take actions to reduce the impact on their health.

DNR also develops State Implementation Plans that detail how the state will control emissions that cause particle pollution.

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What are the main health effects of particle pollution?
Fine and coarse particles can cause a variety of serious health problems. When exposed to these particles, people with heart or lung diseases and older adults are more at risk of hospital and emergency room visits. These effects have been associated with short-term exposures lasting 24 hours or less.

Particles can aggravate heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. If a person has heart disease, particles may cause them to experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue. Particles have also been associated with cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks.

Particles can aggravate lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, causing increased medication use and doctor visits. If a person has lung disease, and is exposed to particles, they may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal. Such a person may have respiratory symptoms including coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. Particles can also increase a person's susceptibility to respiratory infections.

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What can I do to reduce my exposure to unhealthy levels of fine particle air pollution?
You can reduce your reduce exposure by:
  1. planning strenuous activity when particle levels are lower;
  2. reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity; or
  3. choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog).
When particle levels are high outdoors, they also can be high indoors. You can reduce particles indoors by eliminating tobacco smoke and reducing use of candles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

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For more information


Air Health Advisory Listserv || Health Effects of Air Pollutants

Pollutants and Control Programs
Last Reviewed: January 2007
Next Review: January 2008
Last Revised: Tuesday July 01 2008