Air Quality Public Consultation Phase 1 (1)

What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter (PM), also known as particulates, aerosols or fine particles, consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas. PM is usually defined by the size of the particles, such that PM10 refers to particles with a diameter smaller than 10 micrometers and PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers. Clear scientific evidence of the impact of PM on health has been accumulated over the last decade, such that this pollutant is being considered as the most serious threat to public health from air pollution at EU level. Of the two, PM2.5 is the most dangerous for human health because it can deeply penetrate the respiratory system.

The primary source of most of these, especially PM2.5, is fuel-burning in power stations, industrial plants and vehicle engines. Other man-made sources are dusts emitted directly from quarrying, mechanically generated dust, tyre and brake abrasion and traffic exhaust emissions. The Maltese Islands are also strongly influenced by aerosols transported from elsewhere, such as PM of marine origin and naturally transported dust from the Sahara.

Particulates are considered one of Malta's most significant air pollutants, the concentrations of which exceed EU standards in specific areas.

Mepa is inviting the public, local councils, NGOs and government entities to suggest realistic policy measures that will help contribute towards decreasing and limiting concentrations of fine dust in ambient air. Submissions by the public or other interested parties can be sent by e-mail to airqualityplan@mepa.org.mt.

All submissions are to reach the Authority by May 22.