The Hidden Dangers of Particulate Matter – and the simple solution
One of the major concerns arising from climate change is the continuing, often hidden, dangers of particulate matter, also known as PM’s. Advocating a Clean Air policy, we made it our business to seek out root causes leading to air pollution and then to reduce the harmful effects of it where possible. Mitigating harmful greenhouse gases, such as Nox, Sox and CO2e is one thing, reducing particulate matter an entirely different, but equally important action.
Health Dangers from Air pollution
Air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths every year (WHO statistics).
More than 99% of the population live in areas where the air pollution is above WHO air quality guidelines and 4.2 million deaths are attributed to ambient air pollution each year.
Particulate matter (PM), tiny airborne particles, poses significant health dangers due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and even affecting the nervous system.
The health risks associated with particulate matter of less than 10 and 2.5 microns in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5) are especially well documented. PM is capable of penetrating deep into the lung and enter the bloodstream causing cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease), cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts.
Both long-term and short-term exposure to particulate matter is associated with morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure has been further linked to adverse perinatal outcomes and lung cancer. In 2013, it was classified as a cause of lung cancer by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is also the most widely used indicator for assessing the health effects of exposure to air pollution.
The main health effects are as follows: (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)
Respiratory Problems: PM can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Long-term exposure can reduce lung function and life expectancy.
Cardiovascular Disease: PM can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Nervous System: Emerging evidence suggests that PM can affect the nervous system, potentially leading to neurological problems.
Cancer: PM has been classified as a cause of lung cancer.
Other Impacts: PM can affect birth outcomes, diabetes, and potentially contribute to neurological development issues in children.
Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly susceptible to the dangers of PM.
Sources of Particulate Matter:
PM comes from a variety of sources, including:
· Combustion: Burning of fuels like wood, coal, and oil for energy production and transportation.
· Industrial Activities: Manufacturing processes and construction.
· Dust: Dust from construction sites, demolition, and natural sources.
· Indoor Sources: Pet dander, dust mites, and mould.
What exactly is Particulate Matter – PM?
Particulate matter (PM) refers to inhalable particles, composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust or water. PM can be of different size and is generally defined by their aerodynamic diameter, with PM2.5 and PM10 the most common in the regulatory framework and relevant for health.
The finer particles (i.e., PM2.5) can be derived from primary sources (e.g., combustion of fuels in power generation facilities, industries or vehicles) and secondary sources (e.g., chemical reactions between gases).
In outdoor environments, the main sources are location-specific and can be made up of different origins but typically include traffic and transportation, industrial activities, power plants, construction sites, waste burning, fires or fields.
Black carbon
Black carbon is a major component of PM2.5 and it is sometimes referred to as soot and its main sources are from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass. It can be emitted both from anthropogenic (e.g. diesel vehicles, biomass cookstoves) and natural (e.g. wildfires) sources. It is also a potent warming agent in the atmosphere and contributes to regional environmental disruption and accelerates glacier melting.
Short- and long-term exposure to black carbon has been associated with cardiovascular health effects and premature mortality.
Ultrafine Particles
Ultrafine particles (UFP) are particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 0.1 micrometre. The main source of UFP is combustion processes in transportation (e.g. vehicles, aviation, shipping), industrial and power plants and residential heating.
Exposure to UFP can increase the likelihood of pulmonary, cardiovascular and ischaemic heart diseases.
What level of PM 2.5 is unhealthy?
5 over a 24-hour period. Most studies indicate PM 2.5 at or below 12 μg/m3 is considered healthy with little to no risk from exposure. If the level goes to or above 35 μg/m3 during a 24-hour period, the air is considered unhealthy and can cause issues for people with existing breathing issues such as asthma.
Particulate matter comes in different sizes and those smaller than 10 micrometres are able to enter our lungs and cause serious health problems.
PM10 is particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres in diameter.
PM2.5 (or fine particles) is particulate matter smaller than 2,5 micrometres in diameter.
Burning fossil fuels in factories, power plants, diesel- and gasoline-powered motor vehicles (cars and trucks) and equipment emits a large part of the raw materials for fine particles
There is no safe threshold to breathe in fine particles. A recent review of all available scientific evidence to date clearly shows that particle pollution is associated with increased mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and lung cancer.
Ultrafine particles are smaller than 0.1 micron in diameter and are small enough to pass through the lung tissue into the blood stream, circulating like the oxygen molecules themselves. No matter what the size, particles can harm your health.
The Solution
Eliminox Eco™ is an Advanced Environmental Fuel Conditioner, made entirely from 100% natural sustainable ingredients that enables engines to run more efficiently by improving combustion and reducing harmful emissions such as CO2e by up to 30%. It also reduces particulate matter (PM) by up to 97% (as tested in generators, motor vehicles and ships amongst others). Road transportation is a major cause of particulate matter, arising not only from the carbon fuel burned and harmful emissions from the exhaust pipe, but also from the vehicle’s brakes and tyres. Using Eliminox Eco™ in transport, private vehicles, construction sites, agriculture, ports, machinery, vehicles and ships (tugs) can promote significant health benefits through cleaner air for the population, employees and communities. There are cost savings too – ranging from fuel savings of 5%-8% means that the product more than pays for itself. Get behind Multi Award Winning Eliminox Eco, in our drive for cleaner air and a healthier population.
Prof Tony Granger
Chairman
Eliminox Limited