Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10)
Coarse particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers. While larger than PM2.5, these particles still penetrate the respiratory system and can cause significant health effects.
Regulatory Limits (µg/m³)
WHO Guideline
15
Most protective standard
EU 2030 Target
20
Directive 2024/2881
EU Current Limit
40
Being replaced in 2030
227 out of 688 tracked European cities currently exceed the EU 2030 PM10 target.
Where Does PM10 Come From?
- •Road dust and tire wear
- •Construction sites
- •Industrial emissions
- •Saharan dust transported across the Mediterranean
- •Pollen and biological particles
- •Mining and quarrying
Health Effects of PM10
Short-Term Exposure
- •Nasal and throat irritation
- •Coughing and sneezing
- •Worsened allergies and asthma
- •Reduced visibility
Long-Term Exposure
- •Chronic bronchitis
- •Reduced lung function in children
- •Increased respiratory infections
- •Cardiovascular complications
How to Protect Yourself
- 1.Close windows during Saharan dust events
- 2.Use air purifiers with PM10-capable filters
- 3.Reduce time near construction sites
- 4.Wet-mop floors instead of sweeping to reduce indoor resuspension
Highest PM10 Levels in Europe
| # | City | Country | PM2.5 | AQI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zabrze | Poland | - | |
| 2 | Hradec Králové | Czechia | - | |
| 3 | Piotrków Trybunalski | Poland | 21.5 | 22 |
| 4 | Kingston-upon-Hull | United Kingdom | - | |
| 5 | Eastbourne | United Kingdom | - | |
| 6 | Medway | United Kingdom | 33.6 | 34 |
| 7 | Valletta | Malta | - | |
| 8 | Rzeszów | Poland | 14.5 | 15 |
| 9 | Thurrock | United Kingdom | - | |
| 10 | Mamoudzou | France | 15.1 | 15 |
| 11 | Legnica | Poland | - | |
| 12 | Ostrava | Czechia | 15.1 | 15 |
| 13 | Karviná | Czechia | 16.6 | 17 |
| 14 | Karlovy Vary | Czechia | - | |
| 15 | Carlisle | United Kingdom | 33.0 | 33 |