Debris particle under a microscope, verified by PollyMapPollyMap

Debris 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 Debris 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.

Citing this specimen: PollyMap Specimen Library. “Debris — verified microscope specimen.” pollymap.com/library/specimen/debris-particle-arizona-945700

Expert discussion

No published comments yet. If you study palynology or mycology, we'd value your read on this specimen.