PM2.5 particles are particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. A human hair is 40 micrometers in diameter, so they’re 40 times as small as the diameter of a hair, and they lodge deep in the cavities of our lungs unlike larger PM10 sized particulates which get caught before entering the lungs.
PM2.5 particles come in all shapes and sizes within dust, particulate matter, inhalable particles, respirable particles, smoke, and mist. The largest contributing factor is the burning of fuels. When energy consumption increases, so does the amount of emissions polluted.
These small particles can cause long term health problems. Lungs are forced to work harder to provide oxygen. Driving in traffic where cars, motorbikes, trucks, and construction are present can increase the chance of increased fatigue, wheezing, chest pain, headache’s, and aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma.
PM2.5 particles are fine particles that are
2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. They come from all types of combustion. Motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, and some industrial processes all produce these fine particles.
PM10 particles are combustion particles, organic compounds and other particles 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They come from crushing and grinding operations and dust stirred up by vehicles on roads.
Health Effects
People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may feel temporary symptoms if you are exposed to high levels of particle pollution. Numerous scientific studies connect particle pollution exposure to a variety of health issues, including:
- irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath
- reduced lung function
- irregular heartbeat
- asthma attacks
- heart attacks
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease