<p>I think answering your questions in reverse will make more sense. The "size" of PM is typically the aerodynamic/inertial impaction size, as you guessed. My standard reference for this is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16002369" rel="noreferrer">this paper</a>. Their figure 8 is a rough schematic of where particles of different size deposit in the lungs. Things with very large or very small inertial impaction size get filtered out by the nose and upper respiratory system. (The "very small" inertial impaction I would consider as the fuzzy boundary between particles and gases, and gases adsorb onto mucous.) It's the particles with an <em>aerodynamic</em> size smaller than 2.5 microns that follow the airflow all the way from the nose and mouth into the lungs. So from a health perspective, aerodynamic size is what matters most.</p>

<p>Similarly, most measurements of particulate matter filter them by size first, and those filters are based on how much they deflect when the airflow has to curve around a bend. So when measurements focus on PM2.5, that's also anything with aerodynamic radius less than 2.5 microns. They might later do optical scattering or other analysis, but AFAIK the aerodynamic filtering always comes first.</p>

<p>I would say that PM2.5 is everything 2.5 microns and smaller, and PM10 includes all of PM2.5. When scientists want to differentiate the two, we usually use the terms for the different "modes": coarse mode for ~1-10 micron, accumulation mode for ~.05-1 micron, and nucleation or Aitken mode for anything smaller. (Fine particulates are nucleation+accumulation.) The reason for PM2.5 including everything is that PM2.5 standards are focused on the mass concentrations, usually in micrograms/cubic meter. The total mass in the nucleation mode is typically negligible compared to the other two. (The <em>number</em> concentrations particles in the nucleation and accumulation modes might be similar, but the masses are way different.)</p>

<p>Edit: I don't think I made this clear, but the reported air quality value for PM10 would include PM2.5, but if something is reported as "coarse particulates" it would be (PM10-PM2.5). You may also see a quantity TSP - total suspended particulates - which may include things even larger than PM10 that are being kicked up by particularly strong winds, or smoke and ash from nearby wildfires.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-22T11:35:04.033Z
This is a really helpful perspective. Yes, Fig 8 is instructive, and I like the way you think about when the larger category should or should not include the smaller one. Thank you for your answer!  **update:** Wow, this is a really compelling paper!
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-22T11:37:02.553Z
btw have a look at comments below [this answer](https://earthscience.meta.stackexchange.com/a/1723/6031). I wonder if you are able to assign the `pm2.5` tag as a synonym to `particulates` tag, which would become the main tag and appear whenever someone (like me) starts typing pm2.5? Neither of us has sufficient reputation on these particular tags yet.
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-22T11:53:08.803Z
and for those who aren't PubMed-savvy, here's a link to the paper on the Journal's own website. It's Open Access, yay!  https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.7339
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-07-13T01:15:33.797Z
I think it's also important to point out that particulate matter filter samples are dried before being weighed. Thus, if you have a foggy day, it won't be calculated as a high particulate day.
f.thorpe
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-22T09:52:34.300Z
2019-04-22T09:52:34.300Z
Jareth Holt
<h2>Question</h2>
<p>When discussing &quot;PM2.5&quot;, is there any standardized understanding of which particles are or are not included?</p>
<p>Is it everything that's 2.5 microns and smaller? Or Everything <em>between</em> 2.5 and 0.1 microns?</p>
<p>Likewise does PM10 include all of PM2.5?</p>
<p>And by what method is &quot;size&quot; specified? Is this an aerodynamic size from some kind of inertial impactor configuration (virtual or real), or an optical size from scattering, or something else?</p>
<h2>Background</h2>
<p>PM2.5 and other classes of particulates are a &quot;hot topic&quot; now. From Wikipedia's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particulates#Size,_shape_and_solubility_matter" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Particulates; size, shape and solubility matter</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>[...]The 10-micrometer size does not represent a strict boundary between respirable and non-respirable particles, but has been agreed upon for monitoring of airborne particulate matter by most regulatory agencies. Because of their small size, <strong>particles on the order of 10 micrometers or less (coarse particulate matter, PM10)</strong> can penetrate the deepest part of the lungs such as the bronchioles or alveoli; when asthmatics are exposed to these conditions it can trigger bronchoconstriction.</p>
<p>Similarly, so called fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tend to penetrate into the gas exchange regions of the lung (alveolus), and very small particles (ultrafine particulate matter, PM0.1) may pass through the lungs to affect other organs. Penetration of particles is not wholly dependent on their size; shape and chemical composition also play a part. To avoid this complication, simple nomenclature is used to indicate the different degrees of relative penetration of a PM particle into the cardiovascular system. Inhalable particles penetrate no further than the bronchi as they are filtered out by the cilia. Thoracic particles can penetrate right into terminal bronchioles whereas PM0.1, which can penetrate to alveoli, the gas exchange area, and hence the circulatory system are termed respirable particles. In analogy, the inhalable dust fraction is the fraction of dust entering nose and mouth which may be deposited anywhere in the respiratory tract. The thoracic fraction is the fraction that enters the thorax and is deposited within the lung's airways. The respirable fraction is what is deposited in the gas exchange regions (alveoli).</p>
<p>The smallest particles, less than 100 nanometers (nanoparticles), may be even more damaging to the cardiovascular system. Nanoparticles can pass through cell membranes and migrate into other organs, including the brain. Particles emitted from modern diesel engines (commonly referred to as Diesel Particulate Matter, or DPM) <strong>are typically in the size range of 100 nanometers (0.1 micrometer).</strong> [...]</p>
</blockquote>
<hr />
<p>From AirNow.gov's <a href="https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.particle" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Particle Pollution (PM)</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Coarse dust particles (PM10) are 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter</strong>. Sources include crushing or grinding operations and dust stirred up by vehicles on roads.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Fine particles (PM2.5) are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller</strong>, and can only be seen with an electron microscope. Fine particles are produced from all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, and some industrial processes</p>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>However, EPA.gov's <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Particulate Matter (PM) Basics; What is PM, and how does it get into the air?</a> says:</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>PM10:</strong> inhalable particles, with diameters that are <strong>generally 10 micrometers and smaller</strong>; and</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>PM2.5:</strong> fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are <strong>generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/JIdjz.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/JIdjz.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Source</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-09T22:12:29.713Z
Your quote explains that PM 10 includes everything less than 10 microns
haresfur
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-09T22:46:34.053Z
@haresfur If you read the question all the way through, you will see that there are *two quotes*, and the second quote contradicts the first quote. "*However,* EPA.gov's Particulate Matter (PM) Basics; What is PM, and how does it get into the air? says..."
uhoh
<atmosphere><air-pollution><terminology><instrumentation><pm2.5>
Which particles are classified as PM2.5? How exactly is this defined?
uhoh
# Which particles are classified as PM2.5? How exactly is this defined?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-04-08)

## Question

When discussing "PM2.5", is there any standardized understanding of which particles are or are not included?

Is it everything that's 2.5 microns and smaller? Or Everything *between* 2.5 and 0.1 microns?

Likewise does PM10 include all of PM2.5?

And by what method is "size" specified? Is this an aerodynamic size from some kind of inertial impactor configuration (virtual or real), or an optical size from scattering, or something else?

## Background

PM2.5 and other classes of particulates are a "hot topic" now. From Wikipedia's [Particulates; size, shape and solubility matter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particulates#Size,_shape_and_solubility_matter):

> [...]The 10-micrometer size does not represent a strict boundary between respirable and non-respirable particles, but has been agreed upon for monitoring of airborne particulate matter by most regulatory agencies. Because of their small size, **particles on the order of 10 micrometers or less (coarse particulate matter, PM10)** can penetrate the deepest part of the lungs such as the bronchioles or alveoli; when asthmatics are exposed to these conditions it can trigger bronchoconstriction.
>
> Similarly, so called fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tend to penetrate into the gas exchange regions of the lung (alveolus), and very small particles (ultrafine particulate matter, PM0.1) may pass through the lungs to affect other organs. Penetration of particles is not wholly dependent on their size; shape and chemical composition also play a part. To avoid this complication, simple nomenclature is used to indicate the different degrees of relative penetration of a PM particle into the cardiovascular system. Inhalable particles penetrate no further than the bronchi as they are filtered out by the cilia. Thoracic particles can penetrate right into terminal bronchioles whereas PM0.1, which can penetrate to alveoli, the gas exchange area, and hence the circulatory system are termed respirable particles. In analogy, the inhalable dust fraction is the fraction of dust entering nose and mouth which may be deposited anywhere in the respiratory tract. The thoracic fraction is the fraction that enters the thorax and is deposited within the lung's airways. The respirable fraction is what is deposited in the gas exchange regions (alveoli).
>
> The smallest particles, less than 100 nanometers (nanoparticles), may be even more damaging to the cardiovascular system. Nanoparticles can pass through cell membranes and migrate into other organs, including the brain. Particles emitted from modern diesel engines (commonly referred to as Diesel Particulate Matter, or DPM) **are typically in the size range of 100 nanometers (0.1 micrometer).** [...]

---

From AirNow.gov's [Particle Pollution (PM)](https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.particle):

> * **Coarse dust particles (PM10) are 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter**. Sources include crushing or grinding operations and dust stirred up by vehicles on roads.
> * **Fine particles (PM2.5) are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller**, and can only be seen with an electron microscope. Fine particles are produced from all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, and some industrial processes

However, EPA.gov's [Particulate Matter (PM) Basics; What is PM, and how does it get into the air?](https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM) says:

> * **PM10:** inhalable particles, with diameters that are **generally 10 micrometers and smaller**; and
> * **PM2.5:** fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are **generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.**

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/JIdjz.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/JIdjz.jpg)

[Source](https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM)

**Tags:** atmosphere, air-pollution, terminology, instrumentation, pm2.5

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Your quote explains that PM 10 includes everything less than 10 microns  
> **username_0**: @username_1 If you read the question all the way through, you will see that there are *two quotes*, and the second quote contradicts the first quote. "*However,* EPA.gov's Particulate Matter (PM) Basics; What is PM, and how does it get into the air? says..."  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-04-22. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

I think answering your questions in reverse will make more sense. The "size" of PM is typically the aerodynamic/inertial impaction size, as you guessed. My standard reference for this is [this paper](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16002369). Their figure 8 is a rough schematic of where particles of different size deposit in the lungs. Things with very large or very small inertial impaction size get filtered out by the nose and upper respiratory system. (The "very small" inertial impaction I would consider as the fuzzy boundary between particles and gases, and gases adsorb onto mucous.) It's the particles with an *aerodynamic* size smaller than 2.5 microns that follow the airflow all the way from the nose and mouth into the lungs. So from a health perspective, aerodynamic size is what matters most.

Similarly, most measurements of particulate matter filter them by size first, and those filters are based on how much they deflect when the airflow has to curve around a bend. So when measurements focus on PM2.5, that's also anything with aerodynamic radius less than 2.5 microns. They might later do optical scattering or other analysis, but AFAIK the aerodynamic filtering always comes first.

I would say that PM2.5 is everything 2.5 microns and smaller, and PM10 includes all of PM2.5. When scientists want to differentiate the two, we usually use the terms for the different "modes": coarse mode for ~1-10 micron, accumulation mode for ~.05-1 micron, and nucleation or Aitken mode for anything smaller. (Fine particulates are nucleation+accumulation.) The reason for PM2.5 including everything is that PM2.5 standards are focused on the mass concentrations, usually in micrograms/cubic meter. The total mass in the nucleation mode is typically negligible compared to the other two. (The *number* concentrations particles in the nucleation and accumulation modes might be similar, but the masses are way different.)

Edit: I don't think I made this clear, but the reported air quality value for PM10 would include PM2.5, but if something is reported as "coarse particulates" it would be (PM10-PM2.5). You may also see a quantity TSP - total suspended particulates - which may include things even larger than PM10 that are being kicked up by particularly strong winds, or smoke and ash from nearby wildfires.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: This is a really helpful perspective. Yes, Fig 8 is instructive, and I like the way you think about when the larger category should or should not include the smaller one. Thank you for your answer!  **update:** Wow, this is a really compelling paper!  
> **username_0**: btw have a look at comments below [this answer](https://earthscience.meta.stackexchange.com/a/1723/6031). I wonder if you are able to assign the `pm2.5` tag as a synonym to `particulates` tag, which would become the main tag and appear whenever someone (like me) starts typing pm2.5? Neither of us has sufficient reputation on these particular tags yet.  
> **username_0**: and for those who aren't PubMed-savvy, here's a link to the paper on the Journal's own website. It's Open Access, yay!  https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.7339  
> **username_3**: I think it's also important to point out that particulate matter filter samples are dried before being weighed. Thus, if you have a foggy day, it won't be calculated as a high particulate day.  

---

