Respirable Dust (PM10)
The PM10 respirable dust (particles measuring 10µm or less) standard was designed to identify those particles likely to be inhaled by humans. It has become the generally accepted measure of particulate matter in the UK and Europe
A wide range of emission sources contributes to PM10 in the UK. Sources can be roughly divided into three main categories. Primary particle emissions come directly from combustion sources such as power generation and road traffic. Secondary sources are formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere and consist mainly of sulphates and nitrates. Course particles come from a wide range of sources such as road traffic, construction work, mineral extraction, wind blown dusts, soils, sea salt and pollen.
Emissions of PM10 have declined since 1970. This is primarily due to the reduction in coal use. Domestic emissions have fallen from 234 kilotonnes (48% of the total emission) in 1970 to 24 kilotonnes (17%) in 2003.
PM10 UK Emission Graph
Data and Graph provided by UK National Atmospheric Emission Inventory
Last updated: Mon 1st February, 2010 @ 11:45