PM10 particles are very small particles found in air. They have a diameter of 10 micrometres (0.01 mm) or less. PM10 particles are a common air pollutant that can impact human health and the environment.
Common sources of PM10 particles include:
- car and truck exhausts
- coal-fired power stations
- dust from unsealed roads and earthworks
- industry
- sea salt
- smoke from fires
- smoke from wood heaters.
We measure PM10 particles at some of our air monitoring sites.
PM10 particles and the law
The general environmental duty applies to activities that create emissions containing PM10 particles.
The Environment Reference Standard (ERS) sets the standard for PM10 particles in the air.
Businesses must control PM10 particle emissions from their activities to:
- prevent harm
- comply with their legal duties
- meet community expectations.
The Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window) set out obligations to manage PM10 particles. This includes the requirement for some businesses to report their emissions to the National Pollutant Inventory.
In some cases, you must get our permission to conduct activities that release PM10 particles into the atmosphere. Our permissions focus on activities that may have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Permissions have conditions that must be followed.
Activities that release PM10 particles may need permission L01 – General discharges or emissions to the atmosphere.
Our role in PM10 particles
We monitor air quality around Victoria. We have air monitoring equipment that measures airborne particles, such as smoke and dust. The data we collect supports our daily air quality forecasts.
We compare this data with PM10 standards in the ERS. The ERS provides a benchmark to understand air quality and how to protect it – for example, when we assess permission applications for air emissions.
Learn more about how we monitor the quality of the environment.
Impact of PM10 particles on your health
PM10 particles are small enough to get into your throat and lungs. High levels of PM10 particles in the air can cause:
- coughing
- runny nose
- stinging eyes.
People with heart or lung conditions might have more symptoms when PM10 levels are high. Symptoms can include:
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- difficulty breathing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, follow your treatment plan or seek medical advice. If you're concerned about symptoms related to air quality, find out who to contact.
What to do when PM10 particle levels are high
When PM10 particle levels are high:
- avoid being outside in the smoke or dust, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms
- close your windows and doors
- if you have asthma, follow your asthma action plan
- if you have a heart or lung condition, follow your treatment plan.
If you're concerned about your health because of PM10 particles in the air, find out who to contact.
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