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Fine Particles
Fine particles (PM2.5) are invisible to the naked eye, but can have very harmful impacts on your health. These pollutants can lodge deep into your lungs because they are only about 1/30th the size of a human hair.
What are fine particles?
Fine Particulate Matter or PM2.5 refers
to particles of matter suspended in the air that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. That’s 30 times smaller than the diameter of a single human hair!
What are the health effects of fine particles?
Fine particles have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association as an air pollutant that can be
very harmful to your health. Inhaling PM2.5 can cause coughing or wheezing. Exposure over extended periods of time can contribute to or worsen illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia.
How can fine particles affect me?
Coarse particles that are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in size are generally trapped by hairs and mucus in the nose and throat, but never make it as far as your lungs. Fine particles, on the other hand, are dangerous because they are small enough penetrate deep into the lungs, blocking the air sacs where oxygen enters the bloodstream. While particulates are generally not toxic, airborne toxic chemicals can attach to PM2.5 and enter your bloodstream. Fine particulate pollution can also have environmental impacts including soil and water contamination.
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