Why does PM2 5 increase in winter?

Most PM exceedances occur in the colder months 5 and PM10 threshold occur in the winter months (Figure 2 and Figure 3). During the cooler months, home heating emissions increase, contributing to worse PM concentrations and therefore exceedances.

How does weather affect PM2 5?

The mass concentrations of PM2. 5 and PM10 have obvious seasonal distribution characteristics, with the lowest concentration in summer, the highest in winter, followed by spring and autumn. There is a significant negative correlation with precipitation. The higher the precipitation, the lower the concentration of PM2.

Is air pollution worse in summer or winter?

Air pollution is actually worse during winter. The stable weather means that, without a storm, city air can seem stagnant and airless.

Does temperature affect PM?

3.2. For the majority of the months PM2.5 has a strong positive correlation with temperature. This is because temperature can affect the formation of particles; thus, the high temperature can promote the photochemical reaction between precursors. The relationship between PM2.5 and temperature over four seasons.

How does a PM 2.5 filter compare to N95?

Particulate masks, also known as PM2. 5 Masks, are more form-fitting than surgical masks, and typically are meant to be reused. Depending on the “Grade” of these masks, they can be designed to filter from between 65\% to 90\% fine aerosol particles, just slightly less than an N95 mask, but with less inhalation strain.

How does weather affect particulate matter?

Heat waves often lead to poor air quality. The extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave increases the amount of ozone pollution and particulate pollution.

How do particulates affect weather?

Ozone in the atmosphere warms the climate, while different components of particulate matter (PM) can have either warming or cooling effects on the climate. For example, black carbon, a particulate pollutant from combustion, contributes to the warming of the Earth, while particulate sulfates cool the earth’s atmosphere.

Is PM2 5 higher in the winter?

Bottom line: On average, PM2. 5 levels are higher in the winter.

Does pollution increase in winter?

Winter inversion, valley effect in addition to industrial emissions, vehicular emissions are some of the reasons for the increasing amount of air pollution in winter. Dust storms, crop fires, burning of solid fuels for heating, as well as firecracker-related pollution during Diwali also increases winter pollution.

What is the relationship between temperature and particulate matter?

The study results indicated that PM emissions increased exponentially as temperature decreased. In general, PM emissions doubled for every 20 degrees F drop in ambient temperature, with these increases independent of vehicle model year.

How does sunlight and temperature affect particulate matter?

Sunlight and high temperature trigger chemical reactions between primary air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (emitted by engines) and oxygen, causing a chemical reaction that forms ozone. Heat and sun also transform primary particles into secondary, smaller particles that can be more toxic.

What are the long-term effects of pm2pm?

PM 2.5 can have far-reaching and long-term effects because of the ways these particles interact with the body when they get into the lungs, “passing through the filtration of nose hair, reaching the end of the respiratory tract with airflow and accumulating there by diffusion, and damaging other parts of the body through air exchange in the lungs.”

How does humidity affect PM10?

With increasing humidity, moisture particles eventually grow in size to a point where ‘dry deposition’ occurs, reducing PM10 concentrations in the atmosphere. There were a number of occasions where PM10 remained low even while RH increased and further investigation showed these events coincided with periods of rainfall.

How can I reduce particle pollution from the outdoor air?

Because particle pollution from the outdoor air can easily get inside, take steps to avoid adding even more pollution indoors when outdoor PM2.5 levels are high: Avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs and even candles or incense. Keep the room clean – but don’t vacuum unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter.

What is the ratio of PM10 to PM1 and PM2?

This study has shown that the ratios of PM1:PM10 and PM2.5:PM10 were 64\% and 87\% over the study period. Temperature was observed to have a negative correlation with PM10 over a diurnal timescale. RH generally showed a positive correlation with PM10 up to a threshold value of 75\% RH, beyond which the correlation ceased.