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American Lung Association Fact Sheet: Particulate Matter Air Pollution http://www.lungusa.orglair/pm_factsheet.html
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American Lung Association@ Fact
Sheet
Particulate Matter Air Pollution
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October 1998 Update
Particulate matter is the generic term used for a tl'J2~. pf,ai!:.
pollution that consists of complex and varving mixtures of
particles susoended in the air we breathe. Particles are present
everywhere, but hi~h concentrations and/or specific types of
particles have been found to present a serious dan~er ,to hum~~
\ health.
Parti~ula~e matter is a . Recent research has
combInatIon of fine solids such .
as dirt soil dust pollens also linked exposure
molds: ashes, ~d soot; ~d to relatively low
aerosols that are formed in the concentrations of
atmosphere from gaseous particulate matter with
combustion by-products such premature death.
as volatile organic compounds,
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Particulate pollution comes frQ!!l such diverse sources as
factory and utility smokestacks, vehicle exhaust, wood
burning, mining, construction activity, and agriculture.
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~ Particles of special concern to the protection of lung health are
those known as fine particles., less than 2.5 microns in
diameter. (For comparison; a human hair is abou~~? ~Cr91!~_
in diamet~r.) rine, varticles aJ;e easily Whaled deet;>ly into .the_
lungs w~ere they can be absorbed into the bloodstream or
~~iE~~~~~d~~ f2f long perl?.f!s oftim~.~Art?ceI?-t ~tudy
showed a 17% increase in mortality risk in areas with higher
concentrations of small particles.
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American Lung Association Fact Sheet: Particulate Matter Air Pollution http://www.lungusa.org/air/pm_factsheet.html
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Particulate matter air pollution is especially harmful to people
with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)~ which includes chronic bronchitis
and emphysema. Exposure to particulate air 'Pollution can
trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing1 coughing~ and -/
respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways.
Recent research has also linked exposure to relatively low
concentrations of particulate matter lwith pr~mat4re de~th. ~
Those at greatest risk are the elderly and those with
pre-existing res~irato~ o~ heart ,disease.
To limit one's exposure to particulate air pollution, the
American Lung Association offers the following tips:
· Avoid exercising near high-traffic areas
· Do not exercise outdoors when air pollution
levels are high
· Eliminate smoking indoors
The current federal standard for particulate matter (PMIO) is
150 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) of air averaged over
24 hours and 50 ug/m3 averaged over a one-year period.
In July 1997, the EP A set a new stricter standard that will
regulate fine particulate matter (pM2.5) for the first time: 65
ug/m3 measured over a 24-hour period and 15 uglm3
averaged over a year. This new standard will be phased in over
the next decade.
For more information call the American Lung Association at
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), or visit our web site at
http://www .1ungusa. org.
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For more information on lung health programs, and special
events, call your local American Lung Association at
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
'\\l]lcn Y ou Can~t Breathe~ Nothing Else 1\1attc.rsr!t~1
(~opyright 1998 Alncrican Lung A_ssociation
t ~ t.:I.I'HG ASSOClIA.11ON~
20f2 12/16/99 11:38 AM