How to Protect Ourselves from the Dangers of PM2.5 - Part 2 by Dr Tikfu Gee

Introduction

Exposure to PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can enter our respiratory and circulatory, poses serious health risks. With increasing global concerns over air quality, it's crucial to take steps towards protecting ourselves from the dangers of PM2.5.

What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which means they're around 3% the diameter of a human hair1. Common sources include various combustion activities, industrial facilities, power plants, motor vehicles, airplane emissions, and residential wood burning2.

Precautions to Protect Ourselves from PM2.5
Here are several ways we can limit exposure and protect ourselves from the health hazards of PM2.5:


Stay Informed:
Keep yourself updated on the air quality index (AQI) in your area through reliable websites or mobile applications. Real-time air quality reporting systems are being used globally to inform individuals about their daily air pollution levels3.


Reduced Outdoor Activities:
On days when the AQI is particularly high, especially if it's due to PM2.5, minimise your outdoor activities. If it's necessary to go out, try to avoid heavy-traffic routes and strenuous physical activities4.


Use Air Purifiers:
Indoor PM2.5 levels can also be high, especially in low-ventilated areas, Using air purifiers can help reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations5.


Wear Masks:
While regular surgical masks aren't designed to filter out PM2.5 particles, some respirator masks, like N95, N99, and N100 are effective in doing so. These masks, when fitted properly, can reduce inhalation of these hazardous particles6.


Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle strengthens your immune system and can help protect against the harmful effects of PM2.5. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, keep hydrated, and get enough sleep7.

Conclusion

While PM2.5 exposure poses significant health hazards, it's comforting to know that protection is possible. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can minimise our exposure and protect our health.


PM2.5 is something people are more aware of these days, that being said, more research needs to be done. So in the meantime, let's educate ourselves by learning about other health issues as well!

See you in my next entry!

Dato Dr Tikfu Gee


#DrTikfuGee #DatoDrTikfuGee #DrGee #TikfuGee #Precaution #PM2.5 #MaintainHealthyLifestyle #AirQualityIndex


References: 

  1. Rundell K.W., Caviston R. Ultrafine and fine particulate matter inhalation decreases exercise performance in healthy subjects (2012). J Strength Cond Res. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31821850e4 ↩

  2. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2021). Particulate matter (PM) pollution. Retrieved from U.S. EPA ↩

  3. World Health Organization. (2018). Air quality guidelines - global update 2005. Retrieved from WHO ↩

  4. Health Effects Institute. (2019). State of global air 2019. Retrieved from State of Global Air ↩

  5. Chen C., Zhao B. Review of relationship between indoor and outdoor particles: I/O ratio, infiltration factor and penetration factor (2011). Atmos Environ. DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.09.048 ↩ 

  6. Zhang X., et al. Evaluation of the filtration performance of 21 N95 filtering face piece respirators after prolonged storage (2013). Am J Infect Control. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.04.321 ↩

  7. Newby D.E., et al. Expert position paper on air pollution and cardiovascular disease (2015). Eur Heart J. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu458 ↩

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