The Science
WHAT IS PARTICULATE MATTER?
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.
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 3rd party testing lab.
For reference, the eye of a needle is 1230 microns.