ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Diesel particulate matter

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is a type of pollution that comes from cars and trucks that run on diesel fuel.

When diesel fuel is burned inside an engine, tiny particles are formed. These particles are so small that you can't even see them with your eyes, but they can be very harmful to your health if you breathe them in.

The particles can stick to your lungs and cause problems like coughing, wheezing, and asthma.

To reduce the amount of DPM that we breathe in, diesel engines have special filters that catch the particles before they escape into the air. These filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to keep them working properly.

There are also laws in place that limit the amount of DPM that vehicles can emit, and industries that produce a lot of DPM are required to use special equipment to reduce their emissions.

So basically, diesel particulate matter is a type of pollution that comes from diesel vehicles and can be harmful to our health if we breathe it in. But there are ways to reduce the amount of DPM in the air so that we can all breathe a little easier.