. . "Atmospheric particulate matter \u2013 also known as particulate matter (PM) or particulates \u2013 is microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere. The term aerosol commonly refers to the particulate/air mixture, as opposed to the particulate matter alone. Sources of particulate matter can be man-made or natural. They have impacts on climate and precipitation that adversely affect human health."@en . .