Understanding PM2.5 and PM10: Causes of Air Pollution in Jakarta

Air pollution engulfing Jakarta and its surrounding areas consists of pollutants that can cause health problems for humans. So, what do these pollution particles look like?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), particulate pollution is also called particulate matter (PM). This term is used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

Examples of PM include several particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, large enough or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Meanwhile, other particles are so small that they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

Particulate pollution consists of two parts: PM 2.5 and PM 10. PM 2.5 includes fine inhalable particles, generally with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Meanwhile, PM 10 are air particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.

“How small is 2.5 micrometers? Imagine a strand of hair from your head. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter—making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle,” said the US EPA as quoted from its website on Tuesday (11/7/2023).

The US EPA explains that particulate pollution comes in various sizes and shapes and can consist of hundreds of different chemicals. In addition, some are directly emitted from their source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires.

“Most particles are formed in the atmosphere as a result of complex chemical reactions such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants produced from power plants, industries, and cars,” said the US EPA.

Hazardous Impacts

The US EPA states that some particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers can enter the lungs and some can enter the bloodstream. Even PM 2.5 entering the body can pose health risks.

Based on several studies cited by the US EPA, there are several hazardous impacts of particulate pollution exposure on the body, including:

* premature death in people with heart or lung disease
* nonfatal heart attacks
* irregular heartbeat
* worsened asthma
* decreased lung function
* increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the respiratory tract, cough, or difficulty breathing.

“People with heart or lung disease, children, and the elderly are the groups most likely to be affected by exposure to particulate pollution,” said the US EPA.

Not only that, particulate pollution can also cause visibility impairment, such as reduced visibility, making vision somewhat hazy.