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small-particle pollution

small-particle pollution

5.1
Very small bits of dirty matter in the air that come from smoke and engines and can harm people's health
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : contaminación por partículas finas
  • Health experts warn that small-particle pollution can lead to respiratory problems in children and the elderly.

Examples

  • The city has implemented new regulations to limit small-particle pollution from industrial sources.

  • Reducing small-particle pollution is a top priority for improving urban air quality.

  • The city is facing serious small-particle pollution issues.

  • Many studies link small-particle pollution to respiratory diseases.

  • The city implemented new regulations to reduce small-particle pollution from industrial plants.

  • Small-particle pollution can lead to serious health problems in vulnerable populations.

  • Researchers are studying the effects of small-particle pollution on respiratory diseases.

Synonyms

air pollution
vssmall-particle pollution
26 2.6

Harmful gases, smoke, and small particles in the air that can damage health or nature

is limited to fine particle based pollutants rather than all harmful substances
particulate
vssmall-particle pollution
  • Specialized
23 7.5

A tiny bit of matter in air or water that is often harmful

refers to the whole pollution formed by many such tiny masses
particulate matter
vssmall-particle pollution
  • Specialized
4 5.1

Tiny solid or liquid pieces in the air that can harm health

is specifically the pollution made of those particles from human sources

Antonyms

1.0

Free from dirt or harmful things

Surface Forms

Morphology

small-particle + pollution

The phrase is compositional: 'small' + 'particle' describes the kind of 'pollution', so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it refers to pollution made up of tiny particles (fine particulate matter). The hyphenation is orthographic only and the modifier+noun structure is cross-linguistically common, making the meaning predictable for a B1 learner who knows the words.

Etymology

Small-particle pollution comes from the image of very tiny bits of dust or soot floating in the air. Because these small particles are so tiny they can enter the lungs and even the blood, the phrase refers to 'air pollution' that can 'harm health'.