University Of Raparin

Collage Of Science
MLS Department
First stage
2022-2023

Particulate matter (PM) and its effect on human healt

Prepared by Supervisor
Dia Omer Hamad Dr.Muhamad
Zhina hussen
Sima Ahmad
Truska hussen
List of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………1

What is Particulate matter?..............................................................................................................2

Where does PM come from?............................................................................................................3

What are the health effects of PM?.................................................................................................4

Who is at risk ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..5

Conclusions………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…6

References………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Introduction

Particle pollution is made up of a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets

suspended in air. This pollution, also known as particulate matter, includes acids (such
as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens
Particle size is directly linked to the potential for causing health problems. Particles
smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems because they
can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Larger
particles are can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, but are less concerning for
health impacts.

1
What is Particulate matter?
PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture
of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt,
soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so
small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

Particle pollution includes:

• PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and
smaller; and
• PM2.5 : fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers
and smaller.

◦ How small is 2.5 micrometers? Think about a single hair from your head. The
average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger
than the largest fine particle.

2
 Where does PM come from?
Particles can either be directly emitted into the air (primary PM) or be formed in the
atmosphere from gaseous precursors such as sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen,
ammonia and non-methane volatile organic compounds (secondary particles).
Primary PM and the precursor gases can have both man-made (anthropogenic) and
natural (non-anthropogenic) sources.
Anthropogenic sources include combustion engines (both diesel and petrol), solid-fuel
(coal, lignite, heavy oil and biomass) combustion for energy production in households
and industry, other industrial activities (building, mining, manufacture of cement,
ceramic and bricks, and smelting), and erosion of the pavement by road traffic and
abrasion of brakes and tyres. Agriculture is the main source of ammonium.
Secondary particles are formed in the air through chemical reactions of gaseous
pollutants. They are products of atmospheric transformation of nitrogen oxides
(mainly emitted by traffic and some industrial processes) and sulfur dioxide resulting
from the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. Secondary particles are mostly found
in fine PM.
Soil and dust re-suspension is also a contributing source of PM, particularly in arid
areas or during episodes of long-range transport of dust, for example from the Sahara
to southern Europe.

what are the health pmit3

What are the health effects of PM?
Particle exposure can lead to a variety of health effects. Both long- and short-term
particle exposures have been linked to health problems. Long-term exposures, such as
those experienced by people living for many years in areas with high particle levels,
have been associated with problems such as reduced lung function, the development
of chronic bronchitis, and even premature death. Short-term exposures to particles
(hours or days) can aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks and acute
bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people
with heart disease, short-term exposures have been linked to heart attacks.

Healthy children and adults have not been reported to suffer serious effects from
short-term exposures, although they may experience temporary minor irritation when
particle levels are elevated.

4
Who is at risk?
People with heart or lung disease, diabetics, older adults, and children are considered
at greater risk from particulate matter pollution than other people, especially when
they are physically active. Exercise and physical activity cause people to breathe faster
and more deeply, which draws more particles into their lungs.

People sensitive to particulate matter include:

People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart
failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased
risk, because particles can aggravate these diseases.

People with diabetes also may be at increased risk, possibly because they are more
likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease.

Older adults are at increased risk, possibly because they may have undiagnosed heart
or lung disease or diabetes.

Children are likely at increased risk for several reasons: their lungs are still developing,
they spend more time outside participating in physical activities, and they are more
likely to have asthma or acute respiratory diseases which can be aggravated when
particle levels are high.

5
Conclusions

They are the small substances in the air that some of them are big and can be seen
with the eyes such as smoke some of them are very small that are invisible Some are
toxic gases released from factories while others are combinations of different gases in
the air. we can say that humans are a major source of environmental issues. Similarly,
our activities are the main reason why the levels of harmful gases and pollutants in
the environment have increased, these particles have a direct effect on human health
especially for those who have heart and lung diseases and older people. It also affects
the environment, causing acid rain. Climate change causes drought and contributes to
global warming, we can reduce particulate matter by reducing cars, factories, burning
wood and furniture.

6
References:

. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/humanhealth-pm.htm#symptoms
. https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics
. https://www.cdc.gov/air/particulate_matter.html
. https://www.airthings.com/da/what-is-particulate-matter
. https://scdhec.gov/environment/your-air/most-common-air-pollutants/particulate-
matter/what-particulate-matter