In the context of substances, “particulate” refers to discrete solid or liquid particles suspended within a continuous medium, typically air or liquid, characterized by their size distribution, morphology, and chemical composition. Particulate substances range from nanometers to hundreds of micrometers in diameter and can be composed of inorganic materials (e.g., metals, salts, mineral dust) or organic matter (e.g., soot, biological fragments, organics). Their physicochemical properties, including surface area, hygroscopicity, and reactivity, govern processes such as aggregation, sedimentation, and interaction with radiation or surrounding phases, and are critical parameters in fields like aerosol science, toxicology, and materials research.
What dangers does smoke from wildfires pose? Who is most at risk? Here are some answers to health questions often asked, especially now with fires in France and Spain.
Environment
Jul 26, 2026
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Tire particles and potentially toxic tire chemical additives have been found in dust collected from Brisbane residential balconies. University of Queensland researchers examined the balcony dust from homes across inner-city, ...
Environment
Jul 20, 2026
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The eerie glow of an orange sun through thick wildfire smoke might be unnerving, but the biggest risk from the haze is something much harder to see.
Environment
Jul 20, 2026
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Heavy, pungent wildfire smoke darkened skies in the U.S. on Thursday from the Great Lakes to parts of the East Coast, reducing visibility and prompting warnings that breathing the air outside could be dangerous.
Environment
Jul 17, 2026
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While particulate matter air pollution from human activity in transportation, households and industry is decreasing in Europe, thanks to strict regulations, another source is developing in the opposite direction: desert dust.
Earth Sciences
Jul 15, 2026
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China and the southern United States were hit last year by some of their worst sand and dust storms in decades, the United Nations said Friday.
Environment
Jul 10, 2026
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The U.S. capital, Washington, saw its worst air quality of the year over the July 4 weekend, as smoke from a massive fireworks display sent pollution soaring to levels considered very unhealthy for the entire public, data ...
Environment
Jul 6, 2026
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Prescribed fires are vital for reducing wildfire risk and sustaining forest biodiversity. But they also contribute significantly to air pollution and smoke exposure, according to new research from the University of Georgia. ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 2, 2026
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10
Research by atmospheric scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography and colleagues pinpointed an individual coal-fired power plant in Houston as the main source of particles most likely to encourage the ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 30, 2026
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New Delhi authorities announced a new policy Monday aimed at curbing pollution in the city, including incentives to get residents to scrap old vehicles for electric ones.
Environment
Jun 29, 2026
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