Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres. Includes dust, pollen and sea salt. Less harmful than PM2.5 but still a respiratory irritant.
measurementWhat is PM10?
PM10 includes both coarse particles (2.5-10 µm, mainly dust and pollen) and fine particles (PM2.5). It is measured alongside PM2.5 in air quality monitoring. While PM2.5 is considered more harmful because it penetrates deeper into the lungs, PM10 still causes respiratory irritation and aggravates asthma. In Southeast Asia, PM10 levels spike during dust storms, haze events and the dry season burning period.
Key points
- Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres. Includes dust, pollen and sea salt. Less harmful than PM2.5 but still a respiratory irritant.
- Category: measurement
Related terms
See also: pm10 is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.