What is particulate matter(PM)? Is It Harmful?


What is Fine dust?

Fine dust, also known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can be harmful to human health. It is made up of tiny particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause a variety of health problems. 

Long-term exposure to fine dust has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can aggravate existing respiratory and heart conditions.



It's very small. but harmful?

Yes, even inhaled small particles can be harmful to human health, because they can penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause a variety of health problems.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is so small that it can pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can cause inflammation and damage to the lung tissue, leading to various health problems. The smaller the particle, the deeper it can penetrate into the lungs. PM2.5 is particularly concerning because it is small enough to bypass the body's natural defenses, such as the nose and throat, and enter the lungs, where it can cause significant health problems.

Additionally, Because of their tiny size, these particles can also penetrate into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the heart and brain, where they can cause further damage. Studies have found that exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD, as well as lung cancer.



What is the composition of fine dust?

The composition of fine dust, or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can vary depending on the source of the pollution.

Fine dust particles can be made up of various materials, including:

- Sulfates, nitrates, and ammonium, which are formed from sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia, respectively, when they react with other pollutants in the air. These particles typically come from industrial and power generation sources such as coal burning, and vehicle emissions.

- Organic matter, such as black carbon, which is emitted by the burning of fossil fuels and biomass.

- Metals, such as lead, nickel, and cadmium, which can come from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.

- Soil or dust particles, which can be kicked up by vehicles, construction activities, and other sources of disturbance.

- Bioaerosols, such as fungal spores and pollen, which are naturally occurring in the environment.

In some areas, fine dust is mostly caused by the desert dust, which is blown from the desert to the populated areas by winds.


Types of particulate matter

there are other types of particulate matter (PM) in addition to PM2.5.

PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These particles are larger than PM2.5 particles and are generally not considered as harmful as PM2.5. However, they can still cause respiratory problems, especially for people with existing lung conditions.

PM1.0 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 1 micrometer or less, which are even smaller than PM2.5, and also considered more harmful.

PM0.1 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 0.1 micrometer or less, which are ultrafine particles, considered as the most dangerous type of particulate matter due to their small size and ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.

These are the most common types of particulate matter, but there are other size ranges, such as PM4, PM3, etc. The smaller the particle size the more dangerous it is considered to be.

Different countries or regions may have slightly different definitions for particulate matter. However, the general principle is the same: the smaller the particle size, the more dangerous it is considered to be to human health.

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