PM2.5 Fact Sheet
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is any particulate pollution smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which is microscopic, around 3% the diameter of hair. It can be anything from fire burning residue, to chemical plant pollution, to natural dust. Since particles this small are very light, they stay in the air much longer than heavier particles, and can cause damage to your lungs from inhalation.
What PM2.5 levels are being picked up at the air monitoring station?
On most days levels between 0 and 20 μg/m3 are the average, ranging from no risk, to being slightly irritating to some people.
There are frequently spikes up to 30, 40, or 50+ μg/m3 observed, meaning the concentration on these days is considered very dangerous and likely to result in negative health affects. Usually days with the highest readings happen when wind is blowing from the direction of the Mississippi (100DEG), where dock loading operations happen.
On days that the air monitor displays levels at 30μg/m3 or above, you should seriously consider wearing a face mask when you go outside.
How to Protect Yourself:
PM2.5=Particulate Matter less than 2.5 micrometers across
Safe Levels:
Studies suggest that long term exposure to PM2.5 may lead to plaque deposits in arteries, which raises blood pressure and causes heart attack and stroke. Also, the more PM2.5 in the air, the higher chances of lung cancer.
PM2.5 is measured in micrograms per cubic meter.
On a clear day, PM2.5 may be as little as 5μg/m3 or below.
The concentration is considered dangerous once it gets up to 35μg/m3
How does PM2.5 affect people at River Ridge/Harrahan?
People at River Ridge have long documented extremely high levels of particulate matter in their air, which are likely caused by trade ships transporting materials in bulk right next to the town. This particulate matter often builds up as a fine white powder, and people think that high levels of these particles contribute to the lung problems thousands of River Ridge residents suffer from.
While these observed powders are larger than PM2.5, they are likely alongside much smaller particles which cannot be seen with the naked eye.
There are thousands of hours of footage showing pollution particles "snowing" out of the air, documented proof of how bad the particulate problem is.
(Shot by the dedicated River Ridge resident Kelly Knowles)
If you have asthma or other lung conditions, you should check the air monitoring website often, be careful for levels at or exceeding 20μg/m3, and wear a mask accordingly.
If you see levels at 30μg/m3 or higher, you should be careful regardless of your health.
If levels are at 50+μg/m3, then we recommend staying home or wearing a mask if you need to be outside.