Particulate matter is a form of air pollution. Airborne particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less are considered particulate matter. Particulate matter consists of particles of different size, origin and chemical composition. Most of the particulate matter in the Netherlands, about 55%, is natural in origin and consists mainly of sand and sea salt. Epidemiological and toxicological data show that particulate matter is harmful to health by inhalation. In the Netherlands and Belgium, several thousands of people die prematurely due to exposure to particulate matter. In addition, the morbidity due to (chronic) exposure is high. In people with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, chronic exposure to particulate matter aggravates their symptoms and impedes the development of lungs in children. The standards for particulate matter are exceeded in Europe in many places, especially along busy roads, by vehicle emissions.
