The dangers of PM2.5

The dangers of PM2.5

Airborne particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, poses a health risk that should be avoided by susceptible groups. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles with an average diameter less than 2.5 micrometers that float in the air alongside water vapor, smoke, gases, and other pollutants, notably sulfates, nitrates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies PM2.5 as a Group 1 carcinogenic substance since it is a hazardous dust regardless of its chemical composition, including praseodymium, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to its small size, PM2.5 can accumulate into larger masses, enabling it to transport various substances in the air around us, forming haze and smog.

PM2.5 and its associated pollutants are toxic to human health and are a significant public health concern, according to the WHO.

How does the problem of PM2.5 dust particles affect human health?

Due to the small size of PM2.5 particles, when humans inhale them, they can penetrate deep into the alveoli, the tiny air sacs at the end of our lungs, and react with the bronchial tubes and alveoli in our lungs. Some particles escape the walls of the alveoli and seep into the bloodstream, spreading throughout our bodies. The harmful effects of PM2.5 on our lungs result from triggering the production of free radicals, reducing our antioxidant system, disrupting calcium balance, causing inflammation, and triggering genes associated with inflammation that are dangerous to our own tissue. The major consequences of this problem are as follows:

1. In the short term, sudden symptoms occur, leading to respiratory irritation, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections. Diseases include chronic respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, allergies, asthma, emphysema, coughing, wheezing, and skin and eye irritation.

2. PM2.5 can cause acute exacerbation in people with chronic heart and vascular diseases, especially myocardial ischemia.

3. Long-term exposure to small-sized dust particles can lead to their entry not only into the lungs but also into small blood vessels, causing inflammation and chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis, a condition where lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to difficulty breathing even without smoking. Additionally, it may contribute to an increased risk of developing lung cancer and a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality.

Which groups are at risk for particulate matter pollution from dust?

1. Small children because their lungs are still developing and their bodies are not fully grown.
2. Elderly people who may have undiagnosed lung or heart disease.
3. Pregnant women.
4. Patients with respiratory diseases, allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease because dust particles may exacerbate these conditions.
5. People who exercise or work outdoors such as street vendors and motorcycle drivers because they breathe faster and deeper.

Recently, many provinces in Thailand have experienced high levels of particulate matter pollution in the air. How can we take care of ourselves in this situation?

1. Avoid outdoor activities in areas with smog and dust. Avoid exercising outdoors.
2. If it's unavoidable to be outdoors, wear a mask or N-95 respirator to cover your nose and mouth.

How can we reduce the amount of PM2.5 particulate matter in the air?

We can work together to control the sources of pollution by:

1. Reducing the use of personal vehicles and promoting the use of public transportation.
2. Using engines that burn fuel completely and have particle-trapping devices.
3. Controlling construction processes to minimize dust. Properly demolishing and removing unused buildings.
4. Avoiding forest burning and land clearing for agriculture.