hiukkaspitoisuudesta

Hiukkaspitoisuus refers to the concentration of particulate matter in a given medium, most commonly in the air. It is a crucial environmental parameter used to assess air quality and its potential impact on human health and ecosystems. Particulate matter, often denoted as PM, consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. These particles vary greatly in size, from microscopic specks invisible to the naked eye to larger, visible dust. The size distribution of these particles is particularly important, as smaller particles (PM2.5, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) can penetrate deep into the lungs, while larger particles (PM10, with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) tend to be deposited in the upper respiratory tract.

Measuring hiukkaspitoisuus typically involves drawing a known volume of air through a filter for a specific period. The filter is then weighed to determine the mass of collected particles. This mass, divided by the volume of air sampled, gives the concentration, often expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Sources of particulate matter are diverse, including natural phenomena like dust storms and volcanic eruptions, as well as anthropogenic activities such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of biomass. High hiukkaspitoisuus levels are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced visibility, and damage to buildings and vegetation.