Determinants Of Particulate Matter (PM-10): Regression Analysis in U.S. Cities

To enable government to design appropriate measures to reduce damage caused by high concentrations of fine dust (PM-10) in the air, it is necessary to define the major determinants of PM-10, quantify their effects on PM-10 concentration, and provide other information that can help handle the problem. The factors that influence the level of PM-10 include “per capita daily miles driven,” “per capita annual congestion cost,” “construction index,” and “per capita income.” The empirical result of this study shows that human and industrial variables are stronger predictors than natural and geographical factors, including precipitation, elevation, wind, proximity to the ocean, and temperature. This finding suggests the important role that government can play in reducing the level of PM-10 concentration through various regulatory instruments and programs. For example, government can design regulatory standards to effectively reduce particulate matter from vehicles, implement engine retrofit programs, and initiate engine idling-reduction programs.