The Science

WHAT IS PARTICULATE MATTER?

Particulate Matter (PM) is the name given to a complex bunch of small microscopic pollutants that float in the air. PM is commonly measured in microns or a micrometer. One micron is one-millionth of a meter. Particulates are often divided into two basic groups based on their size: PM10 (coarse) and PM2.5 (fine). These include pollution, dust, pollen, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and more.

PM is commonly measured in microns or micrometers (one micron is one-millionth of a meter). Particulates are often divided into two basic groups based on their size: PM10 and PM2.5.

PM10 and larger are coarse particles including pollen, mold spores, sawdust, and dust.
PM2.5 and smaller are fine particles including smoke, viruses and bacteria, and exhausts.

“MORE THAN 9 OUT OF 10 OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION LIVE IN PLACES WHERE AIR POLLUTION EXCEEDS SAFE LIMITS.”

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION STATISTICS

“More than 150 million Europeans suffer from chronic allergic diseases and the current prediction is that by 2025 half of the entire EU population will be affected.”

EACCI, 2016

“Airborne Pollution at PM2.5 ranks 5th worldwide among all risks (for premature death), including smoking, diet, and high blood pressure.”

State of Global Air, 2017

“In 2015, long-term exposure to PM2.5 contributed to 4.2 million deaths and to a loss of 103 million years of healthy life worldwide.”

State of Global Air, 2017

“In 2010, 11.1 million visits to physician offices resulted with a primary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.”

Particle Size vs. o2 Filtration Efficiency

The eye can see particles down to about 40 microns in size, but there are many smaller and potentially harmful ones floating in the air around us.

About the Condensation Effect *

Particulate sizes as shown in the chart below are typically given as the ‘dry size. Pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses are never ‘dry’ or else they would die. They constantly absorb moisture from the air around them, which can significantly increase the size by 80-1000*. The technical term for this process is the Condensation Effect. Because moisture can increase the size of the particles, it further enhancing the effectiveness of the filtration technology in the O2 Nose Filters to well beyond the minimum ‘dry particulate’ efficiency statistics. The results from the study below were conducted at LMS Technologies, and independent 3rd party testing lab.

Particulate matter

Particulate Size*

o2 Filtration Efficiency

Pollen

10–100 microns

90–100%

Pet Dander

1–9 microns

45–90%

Viruses and Bacteria

0.1–10 microns

25–90%

Mold Spores

10–30 microns

90–100%

Saw Dust

30–600 microns

99–100%

Smog

0.01–10 microns

15–90%

Diesel Exhausts

0.05–1 microns

25–40%

The above tests were conducted at LMS Technologies, an independent 3^rd party testing lab.

For reference, the eye of a needle is 1230 microns.

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