According to scientists, the major sources of particulate matter are city traffic, plants, and factories. But one of the last researches has changed the whole view for the citizens of Los Angeles, where for many decades cars have been the main source of air pollution. In fact, this study says that the first place as an air pollution source might soon be taken by trees.

In the last decades, thanks to the government air treatment measures and successful air quality policy, the amount of air pollution present across the state was reduced. However, as for the PM 2.5, its concentration stays about the same. 

Scientists warn that fine particulate matter is the most significant air pollution health danger. Especially PM 2.5 that is known mostly for having real health effects on people. Many studies have proved that it can lead to a lot of health problems, including asthma, heart attacks, and respiratory disease. In fact, long-term exposure to PM 2.5 can lead to cancer and reduce life expectancy for everyone.   

It’s hard to believe that the trees can also produce particulate matter, in particular PM 2.5. According to the chemists’ accounts, trees can contribute up to one-quarter of the whole fine particulate matter in the city. They release volatile organic compounds from their leaves during photosynthesis. That is a usual process that also gives plants an opportunity to clean the air. Researchers have also noticed that an increasing amount of high air pollution cases were occurring during hotter weather.

The thing is that there are more tree emissions during days with warm temperatures. In fact, researchers could observe more PM 2.5 content on hotter days as well. That may point to the connection between trees and the most known particulate matter, PM 2.5. However, there is good news, only certain types of trees are capable of producing enough particles to have an impact on the air quality. For Los Angeles, as well as for Southern California, they are oak trees and Mexican fan palms.

On the other side, scientists also believe that it can still be caused by the influence of other air pollution sources like household chemicals or cleaning supplies. Cities have a lot of air pollution sources that people don’t usually pay attention to. That is why researchers admit that they need to do some extra work to be sure whether plants are really responsible for the high content of particulate matter in Los Angeles. However, even if trees aren’t the current major source of PM 2.5, they could become one when temperatures rise or when the air pollution sources become better regulated. 

The one thing that scientists are sure of is the fact that trees cutting down is not the way out. They can still be a beautiful piece of the city’s infrastructure and make the air quality better. 

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