Direct air-quality answer
What is PM10?
PM10 means particulate matter represented by an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller. The size fraction includes the fine PM2.5 range as well as larger particles up to the PM10 convention.
Suspended particles
Size matters; source is not inferred
Short answer
PM10 means particulate matter represented by an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller. The size fraction includes the fine PM2.5 range as well as larger particles up to the PM10 convention.
The label does not identify one chemical composition or local source. AirAgora displays modeled concentration and compatible index context without writing a speculative city narrative.
How PM10 differs from PM2.5
PM2.5 is the smaller fine-particle fraction. PM10 is a broader size fraction. Their concentrations and concentration-band context can move differently, and neither should be treated as a universal proxy for all air pollution.
Both concentrations are commonly expressed in micrograms per cubic metre. An concentration-band context is a separate scheme-specific communication value.
How AirAgora handles the question
The provider supplies hourly PM10 concentration and pollutant concentrations. AirAgora compares concentration-band severities to identify a main pollutant and preserves raw units as supporting facts.
A missing PM10 hour cannot be interpolated into a recommendation. Source, timestamp, modeled status, and broad grid limitations remain visible.
What to check before comparing
Identify whether the value is PM10 concentration, PM10 concentration-band context, or aggregate AQI. Keep scheme, time, location, and averaging context aligned.
Do not assume a PM10 value reveals dust, road activity, industry, or another local source without separate evidence.
- Broader particle size fraction
- Includes the PM2.5 range
- Concentration separate from AQI
- No source inference from one value
- Modeled provenance disclosed
Direct answers
Frequently asked questions
Does PM10 include PM2.5?
As size fractions, PM2.5 falls within the broader PM10 cutoff. They are still reported as separate fields.
Can PM10 be compared directly with ozone concentration?
No. They use different physical quantities and should not be ranked by raw magnitude.
Does high PM10 prove a dust event?
No. A concentration or index component alone does not establish the source.
How does AirAgora use PM10?
It displays concentration and compares PM10’s documented concentration-band severity with the other supported pollutants.
Does AirAgora treat “What is PM10” as a personal guarantee?
The label does not identify one chemical composition or local source. AirAgora displays modeled concentration and compatible index context without writing a speculative city narrative.
Evidence register
Sources and further reading
The links below identify the primary references used on this page. Selection, summary, and presentation are AirAgora modifications.
Keep exploring
AirAgora provides informational planning guidance, not medical advice. Local conditions can differ from modeled forecasts; follow official guidance during severe events.