| Particulate matter (PM) is a very fine dust emitted into the air in many industrial processes. It contributes to various respiratory diseases, however, it does not persist for long periods of time. The PM has sub-categories based on the size of the dust particles, e.g., PM10 or PM2.5 (with particle size 10 micrometers or less and 2.5 micrometers or less, respectively). The negative effects on heath depend on the particle size, however, in average, the US government puts the particulate matter as about 1800 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
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