Commonly known as soot, black carbon is a particle, often in the PM2.5 or ultrafine size range (smaller than 0.1 µm), which is produced during combustion. In New Zealand most black carbon is emitted from vehicles (especially diesels), burning wood and coal for home heating, and outdoor burning. Both long- and short-term exposure to black carbon is linked to serious health effects, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death.
View a factsheet on PM