Particulate Matter
When fossil fuels empowered new industry in the late 1800's, most people were not concerned with the polluted skies as focus was on economic prosperity. Perceptions started to change in the mid-20th century with increased health problems being linked to severe air quality issues. Studies began to monitor soot concentrations and noticed a correlation between death rates and urban fog.
Today, particulate matter still poses a dangerous threat to human health and the environment. Follow the links for additional information and what the State of Alaska is doing to help reduce this pollutant from our air.