PM10 (Particulate Matter ≤ 10 μm) include soil dust, pollen, tyre and brake wear particles, ash, and industrial aerosols. They are larger than PM2.5 and are trapped in the nose, throat, and main bronchi.
In Spain
Saharan dust episodes push PM10 levels well above the EU daily limit (50 μg/m³). Cities with heavy traffic (Madrid, Barcelona) exceed the annual limit (40 μg/m³) at stations near high-intensity roads. Rain is the main atmospheric cleaning mechanism for PM10.