Particulates

Particulates are little particles that float around in the atmosphere. They can either be solid or semi-solid. We usually see this in terms of haze or smog.

In water, particulates are referred to as suspended solids.

• wind blown dust particles from roads, fields and construction
• coal dust, fly ash, and combustion from various combustion sources
• automobile exhaust

• less than 0.1 micrometer up to 45 micrometers: total suspended particles
• larger particles seem to not remain suspended in the air

• The nose filters out roughly 99% of particulate matter
• Can cause respiratory problems as well as Lung Cancer

• Wikipedia:Atmospheric particulate matter
• Wikipedia:Suspended solids (in a liquid)