Fine Particulate Matters : The Most Dangerous Form of Air Pollution
In 2016, several research studies of air pollution yielded results that linked ambient particulate matters as being causal to increased cancer mortality rates. As it is, the association of air pollution to cancer is mainly due to the mixture of environmental pollutants emitted by various industries, particularly the producers of energy and providers of transport services.
Based on the findings gathered by researchers, governments are being urged to impose stricter monitoring and regulation in order to give public health conditions a chance to improve. Otherwise, the unabated presence of ambient particulate matters measuring as minute as 2.5 micrometers will contribute to the worsening of various cancer diseases, affecting major organs like the liver, pancreas and breasts.
What Exactly are Particulate Matters
Particulate matters as components of air pollution are described as aerondynamic pollutants measuring in diameters of less than 2.5 micrometer, which is why they are also called PM2.5.
The range of their sizes as pollutants enable them to pass through the human body’s natural barriers. As they pass through the nose, throat and eyes, constant and increased exposure to PM2.5 can lead to sneezing, runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath and consequentialy, to lung irritation. If long term exposure continues, it can affect lung functions.
Long term PM2.5 exposure can also worsen the medical condition of people suffering from respiratory ailments and heart diseases. Scientific studies involving hospital admissions have in fact provided proof that the common factor linking the increased number of cases of respiratory and cardiovascular ailments in hospitals.
Additionally, the research studies show that children and senior citizens with asthma and heart problems are the most vulnerable to the effects of PM2.5.
Most Common Sources of PM2.5
Various types of transport vehicles, particularly those used in the construction industry, whether traveling regular roads and highways or off roads, are capable of emitting PM2.5 through their exhaust.
The fine particles primarily come out as results of chemical reactions or combustions and can be dispersed for miles in different locations, starting from point of origin to final destinations, and vice versa.
In some cases, volcanic eruptions and wildfire occurrences can increase the levels of PM2.5 concentrations over hundreds of miles from where the disaster has been taking place.
PM2.5 pollutant in indoor air can come from tobacco smoke, fireplaces, burning candles, oil lamps and cooking activities using fuel-burning equipment. As far as indoor air pollution is concerned, a most recommended solution for eliminating the circulation of PM2.5 contaminants inside a room, is to place an air doctor air purifier.
The manufacturer claims that the AirDoctor;s proprietary Ultra HEPA Filter has the capability to capture the most harmful particulate matters measuring as small as .003 microns.