Such a model would make it possible to prioritize abatement measures for different environmental problems, and to identify those measures that contribute to the solution of several problems. At many stages in the chain, the scientific picture is unclear. The range of uncertainties must be defined. Knowing what sorts of particles cause problems, and at what concentrations, would be a big step. Researchers will pay particular attention to studies that link health problems to monitoring data on particulates.
Local sources are important, especially vehicles in cities.
In contrast to practices with many other pollutants, neither Europe nor Asia routinely collects high quality data on airborne particulates.