PM 2.5, the abbreviation for particulate matter 2.5, is the term given for fine particles that are 2 ½ microns or less in width. Particles are defined by their diameter for air quality regulatory purposes, as the size can indicate the extent of risk associated with health problems from inhalation. In general, the extremely small size of PM 2.5 particles makes them more dangerous to breathe in, as they can go deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Breathing in unhealthy levels of PM 2.5 can have severe consequences, leading to issues such as heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight.
The combustion of oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and wood are often labeled as the biggest contributors to PM 2.5 pollution in the atmosphere. Additionally, smoke from fires, emissions from power plants, industrial facilities, and automobiles are also responsible for releasing PM 2.5 into the environment, which reduces air quality, serving as a catalyst for many health issues.
The increase of PM 2.5 in the air has raised several concerns in the last decade, due to the various health problems that can arise from inhaling the tiny particles. In particular, PM 2.5 can have grave impacts on the human body, since the small size of these particles allows them to travel deep into the lungs, and even the bloodstream. Various studies have shown that exposure to particle pollution can cause premature death in individuals with lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory issues, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Research has shown that individuals that are particularly sensitive to PM 2.5 pollution include the elderly, specifically those dealing with chronic heart or lung disease. Children and people suffering from asthma are also most likely to experience adverse health effects when exposed to particulate pollution.
Fine particles, such as PM 2.5, are responsible for causing reduced visibility, commonly known as “haze”, in regions of the United States, including several national parks and wilderness areas. In addition to this, the tiny particles can lead to environmental damage when they are carried long distances by the wind, where they settle on the ground or in the water. Depending on the chemical composition of the particles, they can make lakes acidic, change the nutrient balance in coastal waters, deplete nutrients in soil, damage sensitive forests, harm farm crops, affect the diversity of ecosystems, and contribute to acid rain effects.
PM 2.5: CRITICAL CASE: BEIJING, CHINA
Air pollution, particularly PM 2.5, has been a focal point of concern for many individuals living in Beijing, due to the several health issues associated with particulate exposure. In the year of 2016, a group of researchers from the Shanghai Institute Of Technology decided to examine the correlation PM 2.5 had with increased influenza symptoms. After running several tests, the study concluded that higher levels of PM 2.5 concentrations were significantly linked to influenza-like illness, with the effects being most pronounced among adults within the age range of twenty-five to sixty.