Particulate sampling (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) around NFC

Magnesium Di-uranate from UCIL and Zircon sand from IREL are chemically processed in Nuclear Fuel Complex to produce nuclear grade uranium dioxide pellets and zirconium sponge. Adequate pollution control measures like scrubbing the releases through suitable absorbents and venting out through 30-50 m stacks to control the levels of pollutants in atmosphere are in place in the facility. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methods characterize particles by their aerodynamic diameter, which is defined as the 'Equivalent spherical diameter of unit density particle having the same settling velocity as the particle in question'. Fine particulate matter having an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 microns are referred to as PM₁₀ and less than or equal to 2.5 microns are referred to as PM_2.5. Under the provisions of the Air (prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has notified fourth version of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009 wherein PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 standards were revised to their current values