Particulate Matter (Dust / Aerosols) — properties & hazards overview
Physical state
Solid or liquid aerosols
Typical size range
0.1 – 100 μm
Density
Varies (0.8 – 3 g/cm³)
Water solubility
Varies by composition
Flammability
Varies (metal/organic dusts)
Toxicity
Respiratory hazard
Chronic risk
Lung deposition (PM₂.₅)
Environmental
Smog / deposition
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Description | Mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in air; composition varies (inorganic salts, soot, metals, acids, organics). |
| Particle size fractions | PM₁₀ (inhalable), PM₂.₅ (respirable), PM₀.₁ (ultrafine); often used for environmental and workplace classifications. |
| Typical sources | Combustion, drying, grinding, scrubbing mist carryover, crystallization, and corrosion products. |
| Deposition effects | Causes fouling, opacity, and corrosion inside ducts, demisters, and fans; impacts scrubber performance. |
| Best analytical detection | Gravimetric sampling (filter weighing) — the standard method for determining particulate concentration; accurate across all particle types and sizes, independent of composition. |
*Particulate measurements typically expressed in mg/Nm³; confirm with EN 13284-1 or EPA Method 5 for stack testing.