NCIt definition : Airborne Particulate Matter is a broad class of materials and substances of minute
size present in the air that originate from industrial manufacturing processes, automobile
exhaust, forest fires, and fossil fuel combustion. Scientific studies have shown that
airborne particles are associated with adverse health effects inducing respiratory
diseases, heart ailments, and other problems. When inhaled, these particles are likely
to reach deeply into the lungs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards
to control the emission of these particulates and to protect the public health. (NCI04);