I understand that PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, but I’m trying to figure out what that actually consists of in a home. What household materials, activities, or conditions typically cause elevated PM2.5 levels indoors? And what are PM2.5 sensors actually detecting — is it dust, smoke, chemicals, or something else?
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There are some articles about it on airgradient’s site. You can start here.
Spoiler: it’s complicated.
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Fine droplets of water from evaporation cooler/mist maker also may count
I can 100% guarantee you that cooking with any kind of oil will make your PM2.5 number go up. Put your device in the kitchen and do a stir fry and you will see exactly what I mean. No smoke required (although that will make it go even higher if you make that error).
The only way to avoid it is to cook on very low tempertaures and increase your cook times, which is not compatible with all dishes.
As others have pointed out, it’s complicated and this isn’t the only cause, but it is one that is very easy to see and reproduce at home.
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As others have noted, PM2.5 is quite complex, and determining precisely what contributes to an overall PM2.5 measurement is challenging. @hestia gave a good example with cooking (which is often a large source of indoor air pollutants), but there are also many other potential sources/types of PM2.5 indoors. Here are just a few:
- Smoking
- Burning candles and incense
- Using fireplaces and wood stoves
- Dust and resuspension
- Pet dander
- Using some cleaning products, air fresheners, and aerosol sprays
- Mould spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses
Outdoor pollution can also enter the home, so you could even have PM2.5 emitted from vehicles or industrial activities indoors.
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