Atmospheric pollution kills about 7 million people annually. Particulate matter (PM), affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components of PM are sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon and mineral dust. Several studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between exposure to PM and severe health impacts. Long-term exposure can have permanent health effects such as accelerated ageing of the lungs, loss of lung capacity, and decreased lung function. This increases the likelihood of developing diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.