What's with the Hazy, Creepy Skies?

"We don't happen to live in a area that's as affected by airborn contaminants but I am concerned about air pollution because, you know, it's not getting any better. "

— Marina Brock

Department of Health and Environment, Barnstable County

What is particulate matter?

Particulate matter is microscopic particles of solid or liquid matters suspended in the air. Types of atmospheric particles include suspended particulate matter ranging in micrometer diameter from 2.5 (fine particles) to 10 (coarse particles). Particles less than 2.5 are considered ultrafine particulate (i.e. soot).

Is there particulate matter in a clear sky?

A whole range of particulate matter appear in the sky - even on a clear day. The category of pollutants called ultra fine particulates are less than one micron in size. There are other particulates in the sky that are a byproduct of combustion. Particulates have been on the EPA radar for some time but it is not feasible to regulate these nano-particulates with current technology.

Are hazy skies dangerous?

Particulate matter in our air is the most harmful form of air pollution because of it's ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and brain from your blood stream thereby possibly causing heart and lung disease.

Will my N95 mask protect me from hazy skies?

While recent air quality has some people reaching for their N95 masks again — "not so fast", says Brock. There  are masks, and there are masks and we don't really have good masking capability other than SCUBA masks which provide an alternate source of air. N95s do not protect because they do not filter out the nano-particulates.