PM2.5 vs PM10: What's the Difference During Haze in Malaysia?

Introduction

During the haze season in Malaysia, PM2.5 and PM10 are two of the most frequently discussed air quality measurements. They often appear together on air quality monitors, environmental reports, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments.

Although both represent airborne particulate matter, they measure different particle size ranges and can provide different information about indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.

Understanding the difference between PM2.5 and PM10 helps facility managers, schools, factories, environmental consultants, and building owners choose the appropriate monitoring strategy.

What Is PM2.5?

PM2.5 refers to airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometres (µm) or smaller.

Typical sources include:

Regional haze

Vehicle emissions

Industrial emissions

Combustion processes

Fine smoke particles

Because these particles are extremely small, they can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and move easily through ventilation systems and open building entrances.

What Is PM10?

PM10 refers to airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometres (µm) or smaller.

Common sources include:

Road dust

Construction activities

Sand and soil particles

Material handling

Warehouse dust

Building maintenance

PM10 includes larger particles than PM2.5 and is commonly associated with dust-generating activities.

PM2.5 vs PM10 – Key Differences

FeaturePM2.5PM10Maximum Particle Size2.5 µm10 µmCommon SourcesHaze, combustion, vehicle emissionsDust, construction, warehousesHaze MonitoringExcellentUsefulConstruction Dust MonitoringLimitedExcellentIndoor IAQ MonitoringYesYesBuilding ManagementYesYes

Monitoring both parameters provides a more complete understanding of indoor environmental conditions.

Why Monitor Both During Haze?

Although haze is mainly associated with PM2.5, PM10 monitoring remains valuable because buildings may also experience:

Construction dust

Indoor dust movement

Warehouse activities

Renovation work

Outdoor particles entering through ventilation systems

Monitoring both PM2.5 and PM10 allows organisations to distinguish between fine particulate pollution and larger dust-related particles.

Applications Across Malaysia

Routine PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring is suitable for:

Office buildings

Schools

Universities

Hospitals

Hotels

Shopping malls

Factories

Warehouses

Laboratories

Government buildings

Property management

Environmental consulting

Recommended Temtop Instruments

Temtop M2000 2nd

Measures:

PM2.5

PM10

CO₂

HCHO

Temperature

Humidity

Suitable for offices, schools, meeting rooms, factories, and ventilation assessments.

Temtop LKC-1000S+ 2nd

Measures:

PM2.5

PM10

TVOC

HCHO

AQI

Temperature

Humidity

Suitable for post-renovation assessments, property inspections, and indoor environmental screening.

Practical Monitoring Tips During Haze

A practical monitoring programme can include:

Record baseline indoor readings before haze conditions worsen.

Compare PM2.5 and PM10 in different areas of the building.

Repeat measurements throughout the day.

Monitor after HVAC filter maintenance.

Keep historical records to observe environmental trends.

Using a consistent monitoring process helps organisations make informed decisions based on measured data rather than assumptions.

Why Choose MTM Precision?

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. supplies professional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring instruments and environmental monitoring solutions throughout Malaysia.

Our team assists schools, factories, offices, healthcare facilities, laboratories, environmental consultants, and government organisations in selecting the right Temtop monitoring solution for haze monitoring, workplace environmental assessments, and routine IAQ management.

Contact MTM Precision

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd.

Showroom & Service Centre

No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

🌐 Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

📧 Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com

📱 WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

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