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The air in UK cities is contaminated by tiny organic and inorganic particulates, most of which we can’t see. These are known as ‘Particulate Matter’ (PM), and can be extremely hazardous to our health, especially very small particles that can penetrate deep into our lungs.
Particulate matter varies greatly in size, which not only determines how it is carried in the air, but how it can be removed from it and how far it penetrates into our respiratory system.
Because of this, it helps to have a classification system for particle size, with particulate matter falling into two main groups:
The so called ‘coarse fraction’ contains larger particles ranging in size from 2.5µm to 10µm (referred to as PM2.5 and PM10) and includes materials released when fossil fuels are burned, dust from roads and industrial sources, agricultural processes, pollen grains and mould spores.
The ‘fine fraction’ contains smaller particles ranging from 0.1µm to 2.5µm (referred to as PM1.0 and PM2.5), which are mainly formed from gases. There are also ultrafine particles (up to 0.1µm) and while these are the most numerous, most of the total mass airborne particulate matter is usually made up of fine particles.
1µm, otherwise known as a micron or micrometer, is one millionth of a metre or one thousandth of a millimetre (0.001 mm), or about 0.000039 of an inch.
There are two sources of particulate matter in the air. Particles are either:
• emitted directly into the air, for example when fuel is burnt or when dust is released and carried by wind
• formed indirectly, such as when gaseous pollutants turn into particulate matter and are spread by the wind
Examples of this include:
Whilst we can all take precautions, if you live in a city, these sources are hard to escape.
Researchers around the world have consistently shown that air quality affects our health. Air pollution is a mixture of gaseous and particulate components, but clinical studies have generally shown that particulate matter air pollution is much worse for human health than the gaseous parts. (1)
According to The World Health Organization (WHO) outdoor air pollution – also known as ambient air pollution – in cities and rural areas is estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide. (2)
WHO says this reduction in life expectancy is primarily due to exposure to small particulate matter of 2.5µm or less (PM2.5), which cause cardiovascular and respiratory disease, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. (3)
Exposure to particulate matter of 2.5µm or less can cause cardiovascular and respiratory disease, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. - WHO
Other research suggests that increased exposure to air pollution from particulate matter could be a factor in COVID-19 infection, as PM2.5 particulates could act as a means of transport for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (4)
Data has also shown that areas with high PM2.5 counts also see a higher rate of severe respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19. For reference, viral particulates such as Covid-19 are in the ultrafine category, being cited as around 0.02µm to 0.05µm, and are typically carried in water droplets.
Supporting local initiatives such as ‘car free’ school streets and campaigns that educate people not to idle their cars (sit inside a car with the engine running unnecessarily when stationary) is a good place to start.
Wearing protective garments and masks that can filter out fine particulates when moving through traffic or polluted areas has become an increasingly common way for people to reduce their exposure to air pollution – as well as bacteria and viruses more recently – but not all masks are effective. With so many masks on the market now, it’s important to choose one with technology that is scientifically proven.
Air pollution is not just an outside problem either, PM2.5 and dust can also build up in the home, so ‘it’s important to be mindful of what’s coming in your windows too.
The WHO says policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, power generation, industry and better municipal waste management can reduce some of the main causes of outdoor air pollution, and has guideline thresholds for harmful pollution levels. (5)
However, some researchers say that the concept of thresholds may not be useful in the case of air pollutants, because even at very low levels there are some people who are still extremely susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality. (6)
Sources:
