Airborne Particulate Matter: It is estimate that in the United States, between two and a half million and three million people are living with asthma. Part of the reason for this widespread occurrence is because the world’s air quality has reach alarming levels, affecting people around the globe. Though we cannot change our environment overnight, there are environmental actions we can take to live healthier lives. One action is limiting exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter. 

Particulate matter is made up of tiny pieces of dust and dirt that are larger than 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles can lodge in the lungs and cause significant health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, lung cancer, and even premature death. Inhaling these microscopic particles can also aggravate existing conditions like allergies and asthma.

Though particulate matter is often discuses in terms of air quality, it’s important to remember that it can also be a problem indoors. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 60 percent of all indoor air pollution comes from sources other than burning candles or fuels. These sources include electronic equipment and appliances, fabric drapes and furniture, tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, and pets.

What is Airborne Particulate Matter?

Airborne particulate matter refers to the tiny pieces of dust, dirt, and other material that are suspend in the air. These particles can be harmful if they are breath in deeply or if they get deposit on the skin. Airborne particulate matter can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory illness, heart disease, and even cancer. 

The amount of airborne particulate matter in a particular area can vary depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and other factors. The National Air Pollution Control Administration (NAPCA) conducts air quality monitoring throughout the United States to help identify and track trends in airborne particulate matter.

What are the Effects of APM on Humans?

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is one of the world’s leading public health problems. The effects of air pollution on humans are wide ranging and include both shore and long term health impacts. Short term health impacts of air pollution can include respiratory problems, such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis. These conditions can lead to decrees quality of life, reduce work productivity, and even death.

Long term health impacts of air pollution can include cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Exposure to particulate matter has also been link with developmental delays in infants and children. Impair cognitive function in adults, and increase susceptibility to various types of infections.

Airborne particulate matter (APM) refers to all particles that are larger than 2.5 microns in diameter. APM includes both naturally occurring particles (e.g., dust) and manmade particles (e.g., from emissions from vehicles). APM is a major component of air pollution worldwide and is responsible for significant health risks for people who breathe it in daily.

The effects of APM on humans are wide ranging and include both short and long term health impacts. Short term health impacts of air pollution can include respiratory problems, such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis. These circumstances can prompt diminish quality of life,…

How Can the Environment be Protect from the Effects of APM?

Airborne particulate matter refers to microscopic

particles that are suspend in the air, and can be define as any solid or liquid material. That is smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). These particles are create from the combustion of organic materials, such as wood and diesel. As well as from the smog trapping of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide.

EPA has found that these particles can have serious health effects on both humans and animals. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked with increased asthma attacks, heart disease, stroke, and even death. In addition to their health effects, PM2.5 also contribute to environmental degradation by causing damage to air quality sensors and reducing visibility.

There are a number of ways that the environment can be protect from the effects of APM. First, EPA recommends that businesses take measures to reduce emissions from their operations. This can include using cleaner fuels or technologies, retrofitting facilities with pollution control equipment, or installing scrubbers on engines. In addition to individual companies taking action. Governments around the world have enact legislation aim at mitigating the effects of APM on the environment. For example, China has install nationwide restrictions on coal fire power plants in an effort to reduce air pollution levels nationwide.

Another way that the environment can be protect from APM is through implementation of clean air standards. Clean air standards require businesses to meet specific limits on pollutant emissions. While still ensuring that they provide a safe working environment

Conclusion

Airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is a type of air pollution that can come from a variety of sources. Such as cars, factories and power plants. PM 2.5 particles are small enough to be inhale and can cause serious health effects. Including heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. It’s important to know the risks associate with PM 2.5.  So you can make inform decisions about how to protect yourself and your family. 

PM 2.5 can be a serious health threat, especially to people who are particularly vulnerable. Such as the elderly and children. It’s important to take action to protect yourself and your family from air pollution. Including by reducing your exposure to sources of PM 2.5 . You can also work to improve air quality in your community by urging your government to pass legislation that addresses air pollution.