Understanding PM2.5 Air Pollution
Essential information about fine particulate matter and its impact on health
What is PM2.5?
Microscopic particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can penetrate deep into lungs
Why It Matters
Can cause serious health problems including heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory issues
Protection
Monitor air quality, wear N95 masks when needed, and use air purifiers indoors
PM2.5 Concentration Scale
Based on WHO Air Quality standards
Safe
Air quality is satisfactory, posing little or no risk.
Low
Acceptable - Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
Moderate
People with heart/lung disease, children, and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy
Significant increase in asthma, and early death, wear masks when outside.
Very Unhealthy
Health alert: serious health effects for everyone.
Hazardous
Health emergency - Everyone should avoid all outdoor activity.
Health Effects
Short-term Exposure
- • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- • Coughing and shortness of breath
- • Worsening asthma symptoms
- • Increased respiratory infections
Long-term Exposure
- • Reduced lung function
- • Development of chronic bronchitis
- • Increased risk of heart disease
- • Lung cancer
- • Premature death
Protection Measures
Outdoor Protection
- • Check air quality before going outside
- • Wear N95/KN95/FFP2 masks on high pollution days
- • Avoid busy roads and industrial areas
- • Exercise indoors when PM2.5 is above 35.4 μg/m³
Indoor Protection
- • Keep windows closed on polluted days
- • Use HEPA air purifiers
- • Avoid smoking and burning candles
- • Maintain good ventilation on clean days
- • Clean or replace AC filters regularly
Common Sources in Kurdistan
Vehicle Emissions
Cars, trucks, buses
Industry
Factories, power plants
Construction
Dust, equipment
Burning
Waste, agriculture
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Monitor real-time air quality data from our sensors across Erbil
View Live Air Quality DataReferences & Sources
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide
WHO PM2.5 Basics →Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Air Quality and Health Information
CDC Particulate Matter →Note: The PM2.5 concentration ranges shown are based on the WHO Air Quality standards. Different countries may use slightly different breakpoints. The WHO recommends even stricter guidelines with an annual mean of 5 μg/m³ and a 24-hour mean of 15 μg/m³ for optimal health protection.