Why is the size of particulate matter important to humans?
I need to know a lot of information about pollution in the air and I am doing research. Thank You
I need to know a lot of information about pollution in the air and I am doing research. Thank You
1 Answer
The size determines how far the particulates get into our system.
Explanation:
PM 10 and 2.5 are the particulates we’re especially concerned about.
2.5 PM is bad because it can get past all of our mucus layers and into our lungs. Since the particles are so small, they make their way to the cilia of our lungs, and cause a lot of damage. Some of the detriments of smoking come from these particulates. They linger in the air longer than large particulates and can worsen bronchitis and asthma too.
PM 10 is dangerous for similar reasons. It’s still small enough to bypass our natural defenses against particulate matter, but still gets lodged in our lungs, causing a plethora of health problems.
Size of particulates controls how long they linger in the air, how easily they can get past our defenses against particulates, and how much damage they do.
