The air we inhale every day can greatly affect our health and quality of life. We should note that not all air that enters our lungs is clean and safe. We also need to consider the nature and type of airborne particulate matter we breathe in, as so many aspects of clean air threaten life. One of the big dangers to the quality of the air we breathe is fine particulate matter, also referred to as PM2.5. It has been a nemesis of public health, and continues to be a significant global concern due to PM2.5 health effects.
These particulates are unbelievably small, they can enter into the deepest of the lungs and trigger significant health issues down the road. To help with understanding particulates, we explain what PM2.5 is, how PM2.5 are generated, and offer some sound advice on preventative care to reduce your health risk related to PM2.5.
Contents
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is particulate matter. Particulate matter is very small, and has a size of less than, or equal to, a 2.5 micrometer diameter. The particulates are too small to see with the naked eye, individually they are smaller than a human hair. The size of PM2.5 allows it to reach far down into the respiratory tract and may get into the bloodstream through the respiratory system when breathing in.
PM2.5 is derived from various sources of air pollution, which include dust, emissions from motor vehicles, combustion of fossil fuels, and industrial processes. Therefore, PM2.5 is ubiquitous and is a major public health and air quality concern.
How PM2.5 Is Formed?
PM2.5 is generated directly and indirectly. It is formed directly from all of these sources, including fossil fuel combustion (e.g., motor vehicle emissions, electric power generation, PM2.5 generated from fires, and industrial emissions of both gases and PM2.5.)
PM2.5 can also form indirectly. This occurs because of the reactions in the atmosphere of gases (e.g., sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.) condensing to precipitate as PM2.5 as they react with each other in gases and/or particles already existing in the atmosphere.
This mixture of particles forms secondary particles that will then settle as PM2.5. The chemical composition of PM2.5 is a complicated mixture of different chemicals, many of which are highly hazardous to public health and the environment.
PM2.5 Health Effects on Lung and Heart Health
Due to its tiny size, PM2.5 is able to bypass the lungs and reach the deep lung and lower respiratory tract, causing irritation to pulmonary tissue and the development of inflammation, and causing the respiratory health to slowly deteriorate.
PM2.5 has known effects from chronic exposure to particulates in the atmosphere, causing an increased prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the possibility of a trigger asthma attack, and decreased ability to fight respiratory infections.
PM2.5 can also infiltrate into the bloodstream through the walls of the lung causing cardiovascular disease risk factors to increase. This can culminate into greater risk of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Therefore, a population living in a higher amount of PM2.5 will have a higher premature mortality rate from heart disease and chronic lung disease.
Most Vulnerable Groups
People who are exposed to PM2.5 pollution are a much larger group of people than the general population. For example, children have lungs and immune systems that are not fully developed and are therefore more susceptible to the impact of PM2.5.
Senior adults are also at risk due to a gradual decline in organ function and immune system function when we age. Certain medical conditions that are prevalent in the elderly population, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammatory lung disease, will exacerbate with PM2.5 exposures to, again, increase risk of death.
An additional group of individuals more susceptible to PM2.5 would include individuals who work at highly polluted work sites (industrial or even construction) since they are continuously exposed to high levels of PM2.5.
Being exposed to PM2.5 while pregnant is also incredibly unsafe and could impact fetal growth and the baby’s health. It will also increase the risk in pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential for these populations to receive additional protection and monitoring of the quality of air to decrease the risk for adverse exposures of PM2.5 on their health.
WHO Recommendations for Exposure
To help protect from PM2.5, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed air quality guidelines in an effort to prevent negative public health impacts of air pollution from PM2.5.
For chronic exposure, the WHO recommends pm2.5 exposure not exceed 5 µg/m³ as an annual average, and for acute exposure periods, should not exceed 15 µg/m³ averaged over a 24-hour period.
It is a necessary cap in order to limit health risks and maintain quality of life. A good understanding of PM2.5, how these particulate matter are formed, and their health impacts will all be necessary to increase awareness and effectiveness of action steps to decrease exposure.
Final Note
Faced with the serious challenge of PM2.5 health effects, Legom presents innovative solutions to mitigate air quality inside the home. Our Air Purifier products incorporate advanced filtration technology that can filter out harmful fine particles, including PM2.5, creating a healthier and safer environment for your family.
Integrated with Legomsmart’s HVAC and smart home systems, temperature and air conditioning control become more efficient and convenient. Entrust the health and comfort of your home to Jiaxing Legom Technology Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer and leader in HVAC and smart home technology, with a global reach in over 90 countries!
