PM10 and PM2.5 are related, not interchangeable
Illustrative diameter comparison
PM10 covers inhalable particles generally 10 micrometres and smaller; PM2.5 covers the finer subset at 2.5 micrometres and smaller. A PM10 result therefore answers a broader size question. EPA describes both as particle pollution, while noting that fine particles can pose the greatest health risk among the inhalable particles it discusses.
Read the number with its averaging period
A concentration needs its unit, timestamp and averaging period to be meaningful. A one-hour reading, a daily average and a forecast are different products even when the pollutant name is the same. Do not infer a PM10 value from PM2.5, or use an AQI colour as though it were a PM10 concentration.
Plan with measured conditions
For a walk, commute or outdoor work, use a source that identifies where and when the observation was made. If an official local advisory recommends changes to outdoor activity, follow that advice for its own index and area. A single monitor is useful evidence about its setting, not a promise that conditions are identical across a city.
Sources
Educational information; personal health questions belong with your clinician.
Explore next
- PM2.5: what it means and how to use the reading
- Air quality index: what AQI means
- Air pollution and health
- How to reduce outdoor air-pollution exposure today
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