Particulate Matter

What is particulate matter?

   Particulate matter is a combination of solid and liquid pieces found in the air.  These tiny pollutants can range in size, shape, origin, and effects.  The sizes can range from 10 micrometers down to 2.5 micrometers.  These are particles that can be inhaled into the respiratory system.  Depending on the size of the particle, determines how far into the respiratory system the particles travel.  These particles can come from many different places.  They all have different origins, ranging from forest fires and smokestacks to construction and car emissions.  No matter where you are, there are bound to be particles in the air that you are inhaling.  Every time you breathe, you are adding more pollution and particles into your respiratory system.  Over exposure to the inhalation of these particles poses seriously health risks for the community.  Not only does it affect society now, but it affects future generations as well.

How does it affect my health?

   Due to the constant inhalation of these particles, they start to have an adverse affect on the human health.  The different sizes of the particles change how far they can lodge into the respiratory system, which in turn results in different health effects.  The smaller the particle, the more damage it can have on an individual's health.  Some particles can cause irritation to the airways, which results in coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.  This can lead to their lungs slowing down and not functioning properly.  The list continues with bronchitis, asthma, irregular heartbeat, mild heart attacks, and even cancer.  Not only does the particulate matter affect you, but it can also affect mortality rate of children.  Air pollution due to particulate matter causes about 800,000 premature deaths each year.  The young children don't have a strong respiratory system yet, which increases the hazard of any particulate matter entering their airways.  Not only does it severely affect young children, but also the elderly have a higher risk as well due to a low respiratory system.  Overall, particulate matter is a very serious topic that affects everyone.  We are so use to breathing because it's automatic, that we don't even think about what particles we are breathing in and how they affect our bodies.  

Sources:

  United States Environmental Protection Agency

     http://www.epa.gov/airscience/air-particulatematter.htm

  National Library of Medicine

     http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22194192

  Spare the Air

     http://www.sparetheair.org/Stay-Informed/Air-Quality-and-Your-Health/PM-Health-Effects.aspx