Airborne particles, the main ingredient of haze, smoke, and
airborne dust, present serious air quality problems in many areas of the united
states. This particle pollution can occur year round and it can cause a number
of serious health problems, even at concentrations found in many major cities.
What is Particle Pollution?
Particle pollution is a mixture of microscopic solids an
liquid droplets suspended in air. This pollution, also known as particulate
matter, is made up of a number of components, including acids (such asnitrates
and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens
(such as fragments of pollen or mold spores).
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. Larger particles are of less concern,
although they can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
Small particles of concern include “fine particles” (such as
those found in smoke and haze), which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less;
and “coarse particles” (such as those found in wind blown dust), which have
diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers.
Are you at risk from particles?
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and
children are considered at greater risk from particles than other people,
especially when they are physically active. Exercise and physical activity
cause people to breathe faster and more deeply and to take more particles into
their lungs.
People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery
disease, congestive heart failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) are at increased risk, because particles can aggravate these
diseases. People with diabetes also may be at increased risk. Possibly because
they are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease.
Older adults are at increased risk, possibly because they
may have undiagnosed heart or lung
disease or diabetes. Many studies shoe that when particle levels are high,
older adults are more likely to be hospitalized, and some may die of aggravated
heart or lung disease.
Children are likely at increased risk for several reasons. Their
lungs are still developing; they spend more time at high activity levels; and
they are more likely to have asthma or acute respiratory diseases, which can be
aggravated when particle levels are high.
It appears that risk varies throughout a lifetime, generally
being higher in early childhood, lower in healthy adolescents and younger
adults, and increasing in middle age through old age as the incidence of heart
and lung disease and diabetes increases. Factors that increase your risk of
heart attack, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, also
may increase your risk from particles. In addition, scientists are evaluating
new studies that suggest that exposure to high particle levels may also be
associated with low birth weight in infants pre term deliveries, and possibly
fetal and infant deaths.
How can particles affect your health?
Particle exposure can lead to a variety of health effects. For
example, numerous studies link particle levels to increased hospital admissions
and emergency room visits and even to death from heart or lung diseases. Both long
and short term particle exposures have been linked to health problems.
Long term exposures, such as those experienced by people
living for many years in areas with high particle levels, have been associated
with problems such as reduced lung function and the development of chronic
bronchitis and even premature death.
Short term exposures to particles (hours or days) can
aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may
also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people with heart
disease, short term exposures have been linked to heart attacks and
arrhythmias. Healthy children and adults have not been reported to suffer
serious effects from short term exposures, although they may experience
temporary minor irritation when particle levels are elevated.
What are the symptoms of particle exposure?
Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary
symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; phlegm;
chest tightness; and shortness of breath. If you have lung disease, you may not
be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as normal, and you may experience
coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue.
If you have any of these symptoms, reduce your exposure to particles and follow
your doctor’s advice. Contact persist or women. If you have asthma, carefully follow
your asthma management plan when particle levels are high. Your doctor can help
you develop a plan if you don’t have one.
If you have heart disease, particle exposure can cause
serious problems in a short period of time even heart attacks with no warning
signs. So don’t assume that you are safe
just because you don’t have symptoms.
Symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, palpitations,
shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you
have any of these symptoms, follow your doctor’s advice
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