The deadly "PARTICULATE MATTER"

Have you ever had to drive, sit in a vehicle or be on a motorcycle around areas where there's a road construction going on? 
Have you ever found yourself walking on an untarred road on a windy day?
Have you found yourself in any of these situations and you happen to see someone around you cover their nostrils? 
Did you think to yourself:
 "what's all the paparazzi about"?
 "what's with the show of drama"? 
"What's the use, I am not going to breathe this in for much longer; abeg jare"?

If any of these crossed your mind at one time or the other, this is for you!

WHAT IS PARTICULATE MATTER?

"The USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) defines Particulate Matter as a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles."

WHY IS PARTICULATE MATTER HARMFUL?

You must know that EPA groups particle pollution into two categories:

• "Inhalable coarse particles," which are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.
• "Fine particles," which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller. 

"The main threat particulate matter poses is not so much in the amount of 'dust' that goes through your airways but in the size of the particulate matter and the nature of particles we find suspended in our atmosphere."-@oluwamiranda

Particulate matter compared with a strand of hair

For example, a very  tiny particle of heavy metal suspended in our atmosphere cannot be compared with a larger particles of a less harmful element because:

1. Smaller particle size can move into the innermost parts of the lungs and settle there, gradually building up mass

2. A small amount of heavy metal particulate can cause more harm in eroding the lining of the lungs than a less reactive particulate element.

 PM 2.5 and PM10 particles easily penetrate into the airways and lungs  But it doesn't stop there! PM 2.5 can pass from our lungs into our blood supply and be carried throughout our bodies. -EPA: CLICK here for more information on the health risks of particulate matter 

Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• premature death in people with heart or lung disease,
• nonfatal heart attacks,
• irregular heartbeat,
• aggravated asthma,
• decreased lung function, and
• increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

 WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

When you find yourself or know someone living or working in areas where there is a high tendency of inhaling particulate matter, Please do or advise them to do the following:  

1. Keep your activity levels low especially in areas with higher particulate matter concentration.

2. Avoid activities that make you breathe faster or more deeply. 

3 Run an air conditioner or central air conditioning system if you are certain your air conditioner does not draw air from outdoors and has a filter.  

4. Keep the room clean – but don’t vacuum unless your vacuum has a HEPA (High-efficiency particulate absorption) filter.  That stirs up particles already inside your home. Wet mopping can help reduce dust.

5. Don’t smoke.

6. Eat Clean Cuisine- Stock up on foods high in antioxidants, like cherries, kale, and tomatoes. Antioxidants trap free radicals, which help pollutants do their dirty work in the body. 

7. Go Off-Road- Avoid walking or biking along busy streets, where levels of pollutants tend to be higher. 

8. Shield yourself: using nose masks and well folded handkerchiefs 

Wishing you good health, always!