What is PM10?
In one line: PM10 is airborne particulate matter up to 10 microns across — the coarser dust, pollen and mould spores you can sometimes almost see in a sunbeam. It's the bigger cousin of the finer, more dangerous PM2.5, and a HEPA/MERV-13 filter captures both.
PM10 vs PM2.5
| PM10 | PM2.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 10 microns | Up to 2.5 microns |
| Typical sources | Dust, pollen, mould spores, soil | Smoke, combustion, cooking, exhaust |
| Health reach | Upper airways, some deeper | Deep into lungs and bloodstream |
Note PM10 includes PM2.5 — it's a "up to 10 micron" bucket, so the fine particles are counted within it. PM2.5 gets the most health attention because the smaller a particle, the deeper it penetrates, but PM10 still matters for allergies and irritation.
Where PM10 comes from
Coarse particles: house dust and dust-mite debris, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, and soil/road dust tracked or blown in. These are exactly the allergens behind a lot of sneezing and congestion — which is why a purifier helps with allergies and hay fever.
How filtration handles it
Coarser PM10 is actually easier to capture than fine PM2.5 — a pre-filter catches the largest bits and the HEPA/MERV-13 stage handles the rest. Any decent particle purifier lowers PM10 readily; sizing for enough CADR is what matters.
Next step
Shop HEPA units that clear PM10 and PM2.5 in the CleanAirKits store.
FAQ
Is PM10 or PM2.5 worse? PM2.5 is generally more harmful because it penetrates deeper into the lungs, but PM10 still causes allergy and irritation. Both are worth reducing.
Do air purifiers remove PM10? Yes, easily — coarse particles are captured by the pre-filter and HEPA stage. Size for enough CADR for your room.