Fine particles (particulate matter)
Tuesday, 03 June 2008, Written by Trouni   
Characteristics Main sources Effects on health

Tiny particles of solid or liquid droplets, including:

  • hydrocarbons
  • dust
  • allergens
  • acids
  • chemicals
  • metals

Also known as aerosols.

  • combustion of fossil fuels (cars, power plants, factories)
  • mining
  • steel industry
  • construction sites

PM can cause lung inflammation. 

In case of long-term exposure, PM can cause:

  • premature death
  • exacerbation of asthma
  • acute respiratory problems
  • chronic bronchitis
  • decreased lung function
  • irregular heartbeats
  • heart attacks 
 
About fine particles (PM10, PM2.5)

Fine particles, particulates or particulate matter (PM) are tiny particles of solid or liquid droplets – known as aerosols – found in the air.

  • Particles bigger than 10 micrometer are stopped by the nose and the throat: they are incomfortable but do not enter deeply into your body.
  • Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometer (called PM10) enter the lungs and,
  • only particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5) get to the bronchioles and were the gas exchange actually take place. It is considered that the samller the particles, the higher the impact on health.

The combustion of fossil fuels is the principal source of emissions of fine particles, this includes the burning of coal, oil, diesel fuel and gasoline.

In Beijing, particles are emitted from construction sites Other sources can be:

  • metal smelting
  • steel production
  • power plants
  • industrial boilers
  • wind blown dust from construction sites

Aerosols even occur naturally, originating from:

  • volcanoes
  • dust storms
  • forest fires
  • soils
  • dusts from deserts
  • sea spray

Until now most monitoring was focused on PM10. But due to the effects on health and environment PM2.5 are becoming of increasing interest.

 

Impact of fine particles on your health 

The microscopic small solids and liquids comprised in particles can be carried into the lungs. Fine and especially ultrafine particles get deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of the symptoms of people suffering from heart and lung disease; some particles even get into the human bloodstream.

In addition, they may carry carcinogenic compounds into the lung and may lead to other health problems such as premature death, the exacerbation of asthma, acute respiratory problems, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.

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