• Cancer
    • Colorectal Cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Penile Cancer
    • Uterine Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Stomach Cancer
    • Bone Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Leukemia (Blood Cells Cancer)
    • Endometrial Cancer
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Kidney Cancer
  • Brain
    • Stroke
    • Dyslexia
    • Down Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Alcoholism
    • Autism
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Epilepsy
    • Schizophrenia
    • Insomnia
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Migraine
    • Phobia
  • Heart
    • Hypertension
    • Endocarditis
    • Coronary Heart Disease
    • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    • Arrhythmia
    • Angina
    • Enlarged heart
    • Pericarditis
    • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
    • Peripheral Arterial Disease
    • Ventricular Septal Defect
    • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
  • Kidney & URO
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Diabetic Nephropathy
    • Urinary Tract Infection
    • Prostatitis
    • Urinary Incontinence
    • Enlarged Prostate
    • Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
    • Kidney Stones
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Cystitis
  • Eye
    • Myopia
    • Glaucoma
    • Dry Eyes
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Cataracts
    • Color Blindness
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Diabetic Retinopathy
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Keratoconus
  • Skin
    • Shingles
    • Rosacea
    • Eczema
    • Vitiligo
    • Psoriasis
    • Scabies
    • Acne
    • Dandruff
  • OBS/GYN
    • Uterine Fibroids
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    • Vaginitis
    • Endometriosis
    • Preeclampsia
    • Menstruation (Period)
    • Ovarian Cyst
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • GI Tract
    • Celiac Disease
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Achalasia
    • Diarrhea
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED)
    • Diverticulitis
    • Liver Cirrhosis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Constipation
    • Appendicitis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • Gallstones
    • Crohn’s Disease
  • Bones & Joints
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Bone Cyst
    • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
    • Sciatica
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)
    • Gout
    • Rickets in Children
    • Spinal Stenosis
  • Dental
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Dental Caries
    • Bad Breath
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Dry Mouth
    • Supernumerary Teeth
    • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
    • Tooth Loss (Edentulism)
    • Impacted Tooth (Tooth Impaction)
  • Others
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Rhinitis
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Thalassemia
    • Hepatitis
    • Sinusitis
    • Acromegaly
    • Health and Wellness
    • Achondroplasia
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Asthma
    • Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Tuberculosis

Write For Us

What's Hot

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

January 28, 2023

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023
Facebook Twitter YouTube
DiseaseFix – World's Largest Disease Information Center
  • Write For Us
Facebook Twitter YouTube
  • Cancer
    • Colorectal Cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Penile Cancer
    • Uterine Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Stomach Cancer
    • Bone Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Leukemia (Blood Cells Cancer)
    • Endometrial Cancer
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Kidney Cancer
  • Brain
    • Stroke
    • Dyslexia
    • Down Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Alcoholism
    • Autism
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Epilepsy
    • Schizophrenia
    • Insomnia
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Migraine
    • Phobia
  • Heart
    • Hypertension
    • Endocarditis
    • Coronary Heart Disease
    • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    • Arrhythmia
    • Angina
    • Enlarged heart
    • Pericarditis
    • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
    • Peripheral Arterial Disease
    • Ventricular Septal Defect
    • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
  • Kidney & URO
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Diabetic Nephropathy
    • Urinary Tract Infection
    • Prostatitis
    • Urinary Incontinence
    • Enlarged Prostate
    • Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
    • Kidney Stones
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Cystitis
  • Eye
    • Myopia
    • Glaucoma
    • Dry Eyes
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Cataracts
    • Color Blindness
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Diabetic Retinopathy
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Keratoconus
  • Skin
    • Shingles
    • Rosacea
    • Eczema
    • Vitiligo
    • Psoriasis
    • Scabies
    • Acne
    • Dandruff
  • OBS/GYN
    • Uterine Fibroids
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    • Vaginitis
    • Endometriosis
    • Preeclampsia
    • Menstruation (Period)
    • Ovarian Cyst
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • GI Tract
    • Celiac Disease
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Achalasia
    • Diarrhea
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED)
    • Diverticulitis
    • Liver Cirrhosis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Constipation
    • Appendicitis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • Gallstones
    • Crohn’s Disease
  • Bones & Joints
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Bone Cyst
    • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
    • Sciatica
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)
    • Gout
    • Rickets in Children
    • Spinal Stenosis
  • Dental
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Dental Caries
    • Bad Breath
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Dry Mouth
    • Supernumerary Teeth
    • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
    • Tooth Loss (Edentulism)
    • Impacted Tooth (Tooth Impaction)
  • Others
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Rhinitis
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Thalassemia
    • Hepatitis
    • Sinusitis
    • Acromegaly
    • Health and Wellness
    • Achondroplasia
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Asthma
    • Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Tuberculosis
DiseaseFix – World's Largest Disease Information Center
Home » Diseases and Conditions » Cancer » Lung Cancer » Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10) and Air Quality

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10) and Air Quality

Neha MittalBy Neha MittalUpdated:April 23, 20216 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

What is a Particulate Matter?

Contents Hide
1 What is a Particulate Matter?
2 Harmful Effects of Particulates on Humans
3 Particulate Matter and Air Pollution – Air Quality
4 What Are The Sources of Particulate Matter?
5 How to Protect Yourself From Air Pollutants?
6 Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Risk of Lung Cancer

Particulate matter refers to microscopic solid and liquid particles that remain suspended in the air. They are extremely small and most cannot be seen with naked eyes. Some particulate matters though are large enough to see, but others can be seen only with a microscope.

Particulate matters are carried by the wind and can travel thousands of miles in the air. They form in the atmosphere because of chemical reactions between pollutants. The two kinds of particulate matter that are of most concern are – PM-10, which is coarse and PM-2.5, which is fine.

Examples of particulates are tobacco smoke, smog, oil smoke, fly ash, cement dust, atmospheric dust that is suspended in air, settling dust, viruses, pet allergens, bacteria, dust mites, and pollen etc.

Particulate matter is denoted by the acronym ‘PM’ followed by a number which indicates the diameter of the particle. For example, particulates with diameters between 10 and 2.5 micron (micrometer) are called PM 10 and particulates with diameters of 2.5 micron and less are called PM 2.5. Just that you get a comparative idea, know that the diameter of a human hair is about 50-150 micron and that of a sand grain is about 80-100 micron. This means the particulate matter is much finer than human hair and sand particles and is not visible with the naked eye. Another category is PM 0.1 and it is known as ultra-fine particulate matter.

Harmful Effects of Particulates on Humans

PM 2.5 and PM 10 are the most important air pollutants and both are extremely harmful to humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (ICAR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared particulate matter as a Group 1 carcinogen. The substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens.

Particulates such as PM 2.5 and PM 10 are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and enter our blood stream from there. They can cause serious and irrevocable damage to our respiratory and blood circulation systems.

These particulates may cause short-term as well as long-term harmful effects.

Short-term exposure may include such as:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Throat irritation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irritation in eyes and nose etc

Prolonged exposure to the particulate matter may cause long-term problems such as:

  • Respiratory disorders such as irritation of airways, difficulty breathing etc
  • Birth defects
  • Heart problems
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Worsened asthma
  • Decreased lung function
  • Cancer particularly lung cancer
  • Early death

Particulate Matter and Air Pollution – Air Quality

To determine air quality and calculate air quality index (AQI), atmospheric concentration of 8 air pollutants is monitored by monitoring stations. Not all monitoring stations may be equipped with machines and detectors to measure all of the 8 pollutants. However, in order to measure AQI, at least three pollutants have to be monitored and analyzed or else the data is considered insufficient for sampling.

Of the at least three air pollutants, at least one has to be either of PM 2.5 or PM 10. This is an indicator of how harmful and deadly the particulates can be and their role in air pollution.

Those who are most affected by the particulate matter are:

  • Older adults (over 65 years of age)
  • Infants and children
  • People with heart or lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • People who work in or are active in outdoors
  • People with diabetes – Diabetics face increased risk because of their higher risk for cardiovascular disease among other reasons.

What Are The Sources of Particulate Matter?

Combustion of fossil fuels is the most prominent contributor to particulate matter. This includes sources such as petrol, diesel, natural gas, kerosene, coal, wax etc. Other sources that release particulate matter on burning are:

  • Firewood
  • Biomass
  • Biomass
  • Hay
  • Cow dung cakes
  • Natural events such as volcanic eruptions
  • Wildfires
  • Burning of other cooking fuels

Particulate matter mainly enters the body through breathing. Breathing polluted air or smoking cigarettes or living near traffic and construction or industrial areas increases exposure to the particulates.

How to Protect Yourself From Air Pollutants?

One of the easiest but not always possible ways to avoid air pollution is to stay indoors at home. Avoid stepping out on days when the air quality is extremely poor. But if it is important to move, avoid places that have industrial or traffic concentration or construction areas.

It is important to know that indoor air in your rooms can also be as bad as outside air or even worse than outdoor air. You might need to vacuum the indoor or purify it using air purifiers regularly.

Some of the ways you can limit exposure to these deadly particles are:

  • Limit standing near construction sites and traffic spots
  • Use high quality masks when you move outdoors
  • Close the windows of your homes when air quality is poor particularly toward evenings to noon. The air quality is poor in mornings.
  • Avoid walking or jogging outside in morning time when air quality is poor
  • Stop smoking if you do smoke. Never smoke indoors if at all you do.
  • Limit the use of fireplaces and wood stoves. If at all you use these energy sources, make sure that wood is burned properly and is well seasoned instead of using wet or green wood.
  • Follow the air quality reports in your area if particulate matter is a concern on any particular day.
  • Follow recommendations from health and government agencies for avoiding physical activity or prolonged exertion outdoors.

Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Risk of Lung Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies outdoor particulate matter (PM) as a Group 1 human carcinogen. However, it is not clear whether the lung cancer risks primarily linked to long-term exposure to fine PM are driven by its constituent ultrafine particles, which may be more toxic due to their specific physical and chemical properties.

Several studies are being conducted to evaluate the risks of lung cancer due to long-term exposure to these particulates. These studies involve population samples with important features such as significant regional variations, large number of lung cancer cases, and smoking vs non-smoking histories along with their residential histories.

Neha Mittal
  • LinkedIn

Neha Mittal completed graduation in Biotechnology from Graphics Era University, Dehradun and Masters in Biotechnology from Amity University, Noida. In the past, she worked with Sharon Biomedicine Ltd., DUKES Products Ltd., and Forest Research Institute, Dehradun as researcher in biotechnology. Neha loves singing and dancing in leisure time. She also enjoys traveling and maintains a collection of great novels.

Related Posts

Asbestos Exposure – The Risks and The Consequences

December 9, 2022

Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in India

August 20, 2022

Real Life Experiences About Coping With Cancer

April 22, 2021

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Don't Miss
Bulimia Nervosa

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

By Vishakha Yadav3 Mins Read

Bulimia is characterized by repetitive episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. Physical symptoms may include weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, and electrolyte imbalances. Psychological symptoms may include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and distorted body image.

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023

Treatment Options for Gonorrhea

January 27, 2023
Latest Posts

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

January 28, 2023

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023

Treatment Options for Gonorrhea

January 27, 2023

Why Is My Pee Burning? 5 Reasons Urination Can Be Painful

January 25, 2023
About Us
About Us

DiseaseFix is primarily known as an online publisher of disease-centric medical information related to human health and well-being. The information is published as disease modules accessible to users from across the world free of cost.

Email Us: contact@diseasefix.com

Our Picks

Moving Forward After Breast Cancer Surgery

December 30, 2022

Five Things Patients Experience Immediately After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

April 23, 2021

Real Life Experiences About Coping With Cancer

April 22, 2021
Company

Disease Index

About Us

Our Team

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Contact Us

Write For Us

 

Facebook Twitter YouTube
© 2023 Diseasefix. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.