PollyMapEpithelial fragments particle photographed through the microscope in the PollyKit lab — verified in Arizona.
About non-biological particle
A mineral, combustion or manufactured particle captured from air.
Plants that produce it
- Soil and road dust
- Combustion soot from vehicles, fireplaces and wildfire
- Construction and manufactured materials
How to recognize it
Mineral grains are angular and often birefringent; soot appears as black, irregular clusters of very fine spheres.
Allergy relevance
These particles are irritants rather than allergens, but fine combustion particulate is a recognized asthma and cardiovascular risk.
Where it's found
PollyMap has verified specimens of Epithelial fragments from Arizona.
Worldwide, with the highest loads near traffic, construction and wildfire smoke.
Also searched as: soot under microscope, mineral dust microscope, non biological particle.
Related other specimens
Citing this specimen: PollyMap Specimen Library. “Epithelial fragments — verified microscope specimen.” pollymap.com/library/specimen/epithelial-fragments-particle-arizona-4f73cf
Expert discussion
No published comments yet. If you study palynology or mycology, we'd value your read on this specimen.