Can Particle Size Distribution Influence Regulatory Standards?
Regulatory agencies often set standards based on particle size distribution to protect public health. For example, air quality standards for particulate matter (PM) are categorized by size fractions, such as PM10 and PM2.5, which represent particles with diameters of 10 µm and 2.5 µm or less, respectively. These standards are based on evidence linking particle size to adverse health effects, and they guide policies aimed at reducing exposure to harmful particles.