Arkansas awarded EPA grant to monitor air for fine particulate matter

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said late last week that it has given the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) a $558,258 grant to monitor fine particulate matter, which measures less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM 2.5).

These particles are found in smoke and haze, and can have detrimental health effects when inhaled, seriously damaging the heart and lungs. People with heart or lung disease are the most at risk from PM 2.5, and they can even suffer premature death from exposure. The microscopic particles also have been linked to nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma and decreased lung function, among other respiratory issues.

PM 2.5s are created by a variety of sources, including forest fires, but they are also formed by emissions from utility and industrial plants, and automobile emissions. With the EPA’s grant, the ADEQ will be able to monitor ambient air for PM 2.5 pollution.