Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid and liquid particles in the air. When these particles are breathed in, they can cause serious health problems. PM can come from many sources, including wildfires, traffic, coal smoke, and factories.
When PM combines with water vapor in the lungs, it forms a condensation solution. This solution can collect on the inside of the breathing tubes (bronchi) and increase the risk of infection.
What happens when particulate matter condenses in the lungs:
Exposure to air pollutants can lead to asthma and respiratory illnesses. This is due to the fact that pollutants can cause allergic reactions and irritate the lungs.
Air pollution is defined as “the presence of certain substances or gasses in the atmosphere that pollutes the environment”. Air pollution can occur at any time, but is most common in urban areas. It is estimated that as many as 10 million people die annually from air pollution-related diseases.
Air pollution occurs in several ways. One of the most common types is vehicle exhaust fumes. The other type is industrial emissions such as those emitted from smokestacks and chemical plants.
Particulate matter (PM) is tiny particles found in the air. Particulate matter includes soot, dust, smoke, and other microscopic particles.
PM comes from both natural sources, such as forest fires, and human activities, such as burning coal for electricity and making cement. It is known that exposure to high levels of PM causes cardiovascular and respiratory disease, including lung cancer.
The EPA recommends using a mask while outdoors during a wildfire. There is no evidence that wearing a mask while outside will reduce the effects of wildfire smoke on health.
What is particulate matter?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 3,000 people die each year due to air pollution.
Particulate matter (PM) is a combination of liquid droplets or solid particles in the air. PM is composed of both organic and inorganic materials. The EPA says that PM 10, which is particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers, can enter the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes and enter the bloodstream.
So, in simple words, Particulate matter is a term used to describe a variety of pollutants that are present in the air. These pollutants can be in the form of solid or liquid particles, and can include things like dust, smoke, and soot. They can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and asthma attacks.
How does it enter the lungs?
Air is the main vehicle used by the viruses that cause colds and flu. Viruses are very small and can’t easily enter through the skin.
Cold and flu viruses are spread by inhaling the germs that are on other people’s hands and other surfaces. If you have the common cold, you’re probably already sick enough to cough and sneeze. These droplets are propelled by the force of your exhaled breath, and they can land on objects or other people.
If you touch something contaminated with the virus, you’ll transfer the virus to your skin, mouth, nose or eyes. If you don’t wash your hands after touching your face, you can transmit the virus to someone else.
What are the effects of particulate matter on the lungs?
Inhaling particles smaller than 10 micrometers (10 millionths of a meter) can lead to pulmonary inflammation and airway obstruction. The particles could also trigger an immune response in the body. The particle size matters because the small particles are more easily able to penetrate deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream.
The effects of exposure to fine particulate matter depend on the level of exposure, frequency of exposure, and duration of exposure. For example, children exposed to fine particulate matter were more likely to have asthma or wheezing than adults. Adults who had high exposure to fine particulate matter had more frequent chest pain or heart attack symptoms and experienced more inflammation of the lung tissue. Exposure to fine particulate matter was linked to higher levels of hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Children who were exposed to fine particulate matter during their first year of life were more likely to develop asthma or COPD later in life. People who are exposed to fine particulate matter have higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The effects of fine particulate matter on cardiovascular diseases may be related to systemic inflammation and the effect on the lung. People exposed to fine particulate matter have more chronic respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing.
Let’s wrap up
When particulate matter condenses in the lungs, it can cause health problems. It can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, and it can also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To protect your health, it is important to avoid exposure to particulate matter as much as possible. You can do this by avoiding busy roads, staying indoors when air pollution is high, and wearing a mask when necessary.
