PM stands for particulate matter, which is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particles have different sizes:
• PM1 are particles with a diameter of 1 micrometer and smaller. Example of PM1 (from 0.3 to 1 micrometer): Bacteria, suspended dust, house dust, animal dander, smog, tobacco smoke, soot.
• PM2.5 are particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers and smaller (human hair is Approximately 70 micrometers in diameter). Example of PM2.5: house dust, animal dander, bacteria, cooking oil smoke, grease, smog, fly ash, settling dust.
• PM10 are particles with diameter of 10 micrometers and smaller. Examples of PM10: pollen, dust (settling dust, cement dust), mold spores.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOCs):
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases and odors emitted from different chemicals. VOCs can be found in the air in your home; they are released by cleaning products, cosmetics, carpeting, furniture, air fresheners and many other consumer products.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOC) is the total concentration of all VOCs in the air. It is used to give an indication of the VOC levels.
Common VOCs sources: Gasoline, industrial chemical, solvents, burning fuel, wood, coal, natural gas, paints, glues.