FIG. 4 illustrates a method for measuring and controlling dust ingress in a particulate matter sensor in an information handling system, starting at block 400. A sensor cover for a particulate matter sensor is opened in block 402 and the particulate matter level is measured in block 404. A decision is made as to whether or not corrosive particles are present in the measured level of particulate matter in decision block 406. If not, the “NO” branch of decision block 406 is taken, the system fan speed is restored to a normal operating speed and the system performance level is restored to a normal performance level in block 408, and the method returns to block 404 where the particulate matter level is measured. If corrosive particles are present in the measured level of particulate matter, the “YES” branch of decision block 406 is taken, and the system fan speed is reduced and the system performance level is reduced in block 410. A user is notified of the presence of the corrosive particles and that the system fan speed and performance level have been reduced in block 412. The sensor cover is closed in block 416, the measured particulate level is recorded in a database in block 418, and the method ends in block 420.