Settleable atmospheric particulate matter bioaccumulate and causes histopathological alterations in fish.

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) produced by iron ore processing has a complex composition with metallic particles and nanoparticles. The settleable APM (SePM) was observed to cause air-to-water cross-contamination. It has been recently described as a sublethal pollutant to aquatic biota, possibly impacting the human population. Unfortunately, the present legislation is limited in dealing with both problems regarding air-to-water cross-contamination and sublethal levels of contamination.