Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Its Implications on Health - Part 1 by Dr Tikfu Gee

Introduction

Particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, which refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, is a significant health concern globally. Its small size allows it to penetrate deep into our respiratory and circulatory systems, posing serious health risks.

Understanding PM2.5:
The term PM2.5 stands for 'Particulate Matter 2.5', and it refers to fine particles or droplets in the air that are two and a half microns or less in width1. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sources of PM2.5 include power plants, motor vehicles, airplanes, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms2.


Health Risks Associated with PM2.5:
PM2.5 is considered hazardous due to its ability to reach the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory diseases, premature death, and reduced lung function, especially in children and older adults3.


Respiratory and Cardiovascular Impacts:
The inhalation of PM2.5 can cause acute respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing, and can trigger asthma and acute bronchitis3. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, 58% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to heart disease and stroke, while 18% and 6% were from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, respectively4.

Immune System Impacts:
Beyond the immediate impacts on the respiratory system, PM2.5 also has adverse effects on the immune system. Studies show that it can change the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to disease5.


Implication for the Brain:
Evidence is emerging that aerobic pollutants like PM2.5 can cause neuroinflammation and has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in children and neurodegenerative diseases in adults, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's6.


COVID-19 and PM2.5:
Recent studies have suggested a possible link between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and increased likelihood of death from COVID-19. One study found that an increase of just 1ug/m3 in PM2.5 is associated with an 8% increase in the COVID-19 death rate7.

Conclusion

Considering the considerable evidence regarding the health implications of PM2.5, it's crucial to advocate for cleaner alternatives and policies that reduce pollution levels. Mitigating the effects and spread of PM2.5 is not only beneficial for our planet but is essential for our health.


To know more about how to protect ourselves from the dangers of PM2.5 exposure, stay tuned for my next entry!

Dato Dr Tikfu Gee


#DrTikfuGee #DatoDrTikfuGee #DrGee #TikfuGee #Plastics #Microplastics #PM2.5 #RespiratoryImpact #CardiovascularImpact #ImmuneSystemImpacts #ImplicationOfTheBrain #COVID-19


References:

  1. Brook R.D., et al. Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association (2010). Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181dbece1 ↩

  2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Particulate matter (PM) basics (2021). Retrieved from EPA ↩

  3. Bell M.L., et al. The exposure-response curve for ozone and risk of mortality and the adequacy of current ozone regulations (2014). Environ Health Perspect. DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307044 ↩ 

  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health (2018). Retrieved from WHO ↩

  5. Wei T., Tang M. Biological effects of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on pulmonary immune system (2018). Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.04.004 ↩ 

  6. Calderón-Garcidueñas L., et al. The impact of environmental metals in young urbanites' brains (2015). Exp and Toxicol Pathol. DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2012.12.00 ↩ 

  7. Wu X., et al. Exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 mortality in the United States (2020). Harvard University. Retrieved from Harvard ↩

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