Data from the central pollution monitoring agency shows that the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) was over 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100, PM2.5 which is a standard rate of air quality was 14 times the safe limit.
Alarming it is, because these particles can cause respiratory diseases if one is exposed to them for a long time.
What Is Particulate Matter?
The tiny little particles in the air that we breathe known as Particulate Matter along with other particles that travel into our respiratory system and along the way the particles can stick to the sides of the airway and travel much deeper into the lungs. PM2.5 can get down into the deepest portions of the lungs when gas exchange occurs between the air and your blood stream.
These are the most dangerous particles because the alveolar portion of the lungs has no efficient means of removing them and if the particles are water soluble, they can pass into the blood stream within minutes. If they are not water soluble, they remain in the alveolar portion of the lungs for a long time.
Inhaling PM2.5 Can Decrease Lung Function
It can cause premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Especially after diwali the pollution level rises in the air because of crackers and during this time the level of PM2.5 also increases. During this time people can develop respiratory problems, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.
How far these particles can travel
The smaller particles are lighter and they stay in the air longer and travel farther. PM10 (big) particles can stay in the air for minutes or hours while PM2.5 (small) particles can stay in the air for days or weeks. PM10 particles can travel as little as a hundred yards or as much as 30 miles. PM2.5 particles go even farther; many hundreds of miles.
PM10 Can Get Stuck Into The Narrow Passages Of Lung
When you inhale you breathe particles that are in the air, the air and particles travel into our respiratory system and along the way the particles can stick to the sides of the airway and travel deeper into the lungs which can be fatal as well. Farther the particles go the worse the effect it has. PM2.5 can pass through the smaller airways and the bigger which are PM10 are more likely to stick to the sides or get stuck into the narrow passages of lung.
Breathing Through Mouth Can Let PM Go Deep Inside
If you are breathing through your mouth then it allow these particles to travel deeper into your lungs
Exercising outdoors: While exercising also these particles can travel deeper
Humid air: Weather can also play a major role and can let these travel far in our lungs
Read more at http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/this-is-what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-inhale-dust-and-pollution-264664.html
