Particulate Matter Research Paper

Particulate Matter

Air pollution is a serious environmental issue in the United States. Here in the states it majorly affects the air qualities of large cities, which exposes many people to its negative impact. There are specific tools that consider this issue, and observes factors that lead to it, as well as measure the quantities of specific matter in the air. Online there are maps and allergen count graphs, that provide data on different matter in the air. Researches look at pollen heavily in the air to measure air quality. With that said there are a few other types of matter to look at in the air that effects quality and human health. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and lead are all common when observing negative

The mixture is said to contain traces of pollen, soot, dust, smoke, and liquid (Particle Pollution, 2016). This form of air pollution appears to affect densely populated, high trafficked areas of the United States. Sources of PM can be traced to exhaust fumes from vehicles, work sites, and possibly nearby industrial plants. Further damage to air quality by PM, involves other harmful matter. PM goes through chemical reactions that involves nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides (Particulate Matter, n.d.). In fact, both nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide have been found to be linked to asthma independently. According to the EPA, “Breathing air with a high concentration of NO2 can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma…” (2016). It appears that while asthma is not always caused directly by PM, the pre-existence of asthma in an individual combined with high exposure to PM can worsen the illness, especially when chemical reactions in the air

Another important detail to examine at this group is their racial make-up. Evidence shows that most of the young children affected are African-American (AA). Compared to Latinos, Whites, Asians, and children of other racial backgrounds, AA children have noticeably higher rates of asthma. Data from the New York provides evidence for this claim. From a 2013 report on Asthma Surveillance for New York State provides percentages comparing asthma prevalence amongst non-Hispanic black children to non-Hispanic white children, with totals being 14.3% and 8.5% respectively (New York State, 2013, p. 17).

Worth mentioning when looking at the link between PM and asthma among young children is living conditions and accessibility. AA children in this affected group tend to be from inner city environments that entails high traffic, smoking both in and around the home, and of course outside. Inner cities often have lots of construction, as well as nearby waste centers, and industrial plants. All these environmental hazards emit malignant gases and chemical into the air, notably PM, which to the magnitude of those in busy, inner cities, severely impacts health. A map