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Particulate Matter Essay

936 Words4 Pages
The effects of particulate matter on health occur at levels of exposure currently being experienced by many people both in urban and rural areas and in developed and developing countries. Outdoor air pollution, mostly associated with particulates ranked sixth in importance among all health risks in South Asia where it contributed to 712,000 deaths in 2010. The size of particles is important as it determines the extent of penetration of particles into the respiratory system. Recent studies have identified fine particles called PM2.5 (particles with a mean aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller) as being especially harmful because they may reach and persist in the alveolar region of the lungs . Fine particles are more dangerous than coarse particles. Apart from the size of the particles, other specific physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that can influence harmful health effects include the presence of metals, PAHs, other organic components, or certain toxins. When particulate matter is combined with other air pollutants, the individual effects of each pollutant is accumulated. In certain cases, especially for combinations of particulate matter with ozone or allergens, effects were shown to be even greater than the sum of the individual effects. When particulate matter interacts with gases, this interaction changes its composition and, therefore, its effects. As PM2.5 can penetrate into the alveolar regions of the lungs these particles may cause
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