PM1: India’s Silent and Lethal Air Pollutant

PM1 refers to particulate matter smaller than one micron in diameter. It is ultra-fine, far smaller than PM2.5 and PM10, making it extremely hazardous. Despite its lethality, PM1 is poorly understood and not regulated in India.

Health Impacts

• PM1 is linked to serious health issues, including:
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Hypertension
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Premature deaths
• Its tiny size allows it to:
  • Penetrate alveoli in the lungs
  • Enter the bloodstream
  • Sometimes even infiltrate through skin

Why PM1 is Especially Dangerous

• Larger particles like PM10 are filtered by nasal hair and mucous.
• PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs and is linked to millions of deaths globally.
• PM1 bypasses almost all natural body defenses, making it more potent than larger particulates.

Regulatory and Monitoring Gaps in India

• PM1 is not included in India’s National Air Quality Monitoring System.
• India’s Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) currently measure PM10 and PM2.5 only.
• There are no national standards or verified large-scale monitoring technologies for PM1.

Global Evidence

• International studies indicate that PM1 can cause more severe damage than PM2.5 or PM10, highlighting the urgent need for regulation and monitoring.

Source: DTE