One of the biggest health threats from particulate matter is from fine and ultra-fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases and cancer. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature deaths.
Particulate matter, also called PM, is the term for tiny particles found in the air. It is formed in the atmosphere because of chemical reactions between pollutants. These particles include dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Some particulate matter is large enough to see, but other particulate matter can be seen only with a microscope.
Particulate matter is in the air pollution emitted from vehicles, factories, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, and burning of fossil fuels. It is also formed by grilling food on charcoal or gas grills, burning leaves and brush, smoking cigarettes, and burning wood in a fireplace or stove.
The two kinds of particulate matter that are of most concern are PM-10, which is coarse, and PM-2.5, which is fine.
Particulate Pollution exposure: Increased health risk
The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream.
Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
premature death in people with heart or lung disease
nonfatal heart attacks
irregular heartbeat
aggravated asthma
decreased lung function
Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.
Exposure to diesel exhaust including particulate matter can cause:
Cancer
People with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure.
Environmental issues of particulate matter
Particles can be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on ground or water. Depending on their chemical composition, the effects may include:
- making lakes and streams acidic
- changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins
- depleting the nutrients in the soil
- damaging sensitive forests and farm crops
- affecting the diversity of ecosystems
- contributing to acid rains
Proposed Interventions in reducing PM Pollution
Monitoring of PM10 and/or PM2.5 needs to be improved to assess population exposure and to assist local authorities in establishing plans for improving air quality. Particulate air pollution can be reduced using current technologies. Interventions resulting in a reduction in the health effects of air pollution range from regulatory measures (stricter air quality standards, limits for emissions from various sources), structural changes (such as reducing energy consumption, especially that based on combustion sources, changing modes of transport, land use planning) as well as behavioral changes by individuals by, for example, using cleaner modes of transport or household energy sources.
Article by Dr.Yashoda Tammineni,
MSc, Ph.D.
HSE,HOD at NIFS
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