Theoretically, particulate matter is referred to as solid or liquid particles of various densities, suspended in air and varying in size from 0,002 µm to 500 µm. Liquid particles are substances found in the air as smoke, fog, oil and acid particles. Solid particles are dust, ash, smoke, lead, carbon and asbestos in the air.

Particle sizes vary widely. Some of them are visible to the eye, while others can only be seen with a microscope. Particulates with diameters between 2,5 μm and 10 μm are called coarse particles. These particles are caused by grinding and crushing processes and dusts. Particles with diameters of 2.5 μm and smaller are called fine particles.

Some of the particles are composed of some harmful chemicals. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, have a carcinogenic effect and are hazardous to human health. When it reaches the lungs it merges with moisture and turns into acid. Particularly fine particles (i.e., PM2.5) create significant health problems in humans depending on their density and exposure time.

Particulate matter contained in the breathing air is one of the most important pollutants that affect the health of workers regardless of their size. These adverse effects are directly related to the size and exposure time of the particles. PM10 particles, ie particles with a size between 2,5 μm and 10 μm, are generally retained by the nose and upper airways and do not enter the lungs. These coarse particles accumulate mostly in the bronchi. However, the importance of particles for health depends on their chemical properties as well as their physical properties. Especially heavy metal particles such as lead, mercury and cadmium have cancer-causing properties. It is extremely dangerous to breathe for a long time in places containing fly ash, soot, gasoline or diesel car exhaust fumes.

In order to regulate the duties, powers and responsibilities of employers and employees in order to ensure occupational health and safety in working environments and to improve the existing health and safety conditions, the Occupational Health and Safety Law was enacted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Under this law, employers must ensure the health and safety of employees. In principle, businesses have to avoid risks, analyze risks if it is not possible to avoid, and combat these risks at source.

For this purpose, enterprises have to carry out necessary measurement, test and analysis studies. Within this framework, enterprises have to make measurements of coarse particles (PM10 particles) in the environment according to their field of activity. These measurements are carried out by authorized test and inspection institutions. During the measurements, legal regulations in force and standards published by local and foreign organizations are taken into consideration. A few of these standards are:

• TS EN 12341 Ambient air - Standard gravimetric measurement method for the determination of PM10 or PM2,5 mass concentrations of suspended particulate matter
• TS EN 14902 Ambient air quality - Standard method for measuring Pb, Cd, As and Ni of suspended particulates in PM10 fraction