particulate

These particulates can damage public health, but regulation has caused industries to limit their emissions to the point where they now pose little risk.

The Environmental Protection Agency in 2024 had strengthened limits on fine particulate matter, including soot, which can lead to health problems including strokes, heart attacks and asthma attacks.

These included partial restrictions on fossil fuel-powered transport and water trucks spraying mist to clear particulate matter from the air.

This year, the Supreme Court eased restrictions, allowing the use of so-called "green" firecrackers that are designed to emit fewer particulate pollutants.

That came after the Supreme Court this month eased a blanket ban on fireworks to allow the use of the less-polluting "green" crackers -- developed to reduce particulate emission.