What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is dust particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns. This small size can escape the filtration of nasal hairs, passing into the respiratory tract and into the alveoli. It penetrates into the capillaries and enters the bloodstream, causing disease in many systems. In 2014, the World Health Organization announced that exposure to dust PM2.5 causes approximately 3.7 million premature deaths per year. The majority of these deaths occur in the western Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia. Health effects of PM2.5
The health effects of PM 2.5 are divided into 2 phases:
Short term exposure
- Respiratory tract inflammation, difficulty breathing, burning nose, cough with phlegm, chest tightness, deflated air sacs, decreased lung function. Allergies and asthma relapse
- Destroys immunity, easily causes lung and respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis, and ear infections.
-Delayed child development
- Effects on the reproductive system cause infertility
Long term exposure
- Lung cancer
- inflammation of blood vessels May cause ischemic heart disease. Cerebrovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes
- chronic obstructive bronchitis
-Skin or eye disease
- The skin has dark spots and wrinkles, looking older than its age.
Who is a risk group that needs to watch out for PM 2.5 dust?
-Children are classified as a high-risk group due to their small size, rapid breathing, and behavior of children who like to play in outdoor areas. There is a chance of inhaling a large amount of dust relative to body weight and a tendency not to wear dust protection.
-Asthma patients are more sensitive to stimulation from PM 2.5 dust or these allergens. This causes lung function to decrease and asthma symptoms to worsen. Increases the risk of admission to the emergency room and ICU.
-Pregnant woman There is a risk of causing the fetus to grow slowly and become small. If exposed to dust and pollution during the third trimester, premature birth may occur.
-Elderly people found that PM 2.5 is an important cause of death, with the risk increasing 1.5 times.
How to prevent dust PM 2.5
- Follow weather reports and PM 2.5 levels regularly.
- In the home or building, you should use an air purifier that can filter PM 2.5 dust.
- Wear a medical mask Or wear an N95 mask when leaving the house or building.
- Wear goggles and wear a long-sleeved shirt.
- Reduce time spent outside/building. Especially groups at high risk of PM 2.5 such as children, pregnant women, elderly people, and patients with chronic diseases such as allergies, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
Resources
Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand
Samitivej Hospital
Ramathibodi Hospital
https://www.thairath.co.th/
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