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Particulate or Dust Monitoring
K2 Environmental is able to do an assessment of your workplace for particulate / dust exposure.
What is Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in air. These particles typically consist of a mixture of inorganic and organic chemicals Particle is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.
Size of Particulate Matter (PM) and Health Effects
The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects.
- "Inhalable coarse particles," such as those found near roadways and dusty industries, are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.
- "Fine particles," such as those found in smoke and haze, are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller. These particles can be directly emitted from sources such as combustion, or they can form when gases emitted from industries and vehicle exahust react in the air.
Particle size is an important factor that influences how particles deposit in the respiratory tract and affect human health. Coarse particles are deposited almost exclusively in the nose and throat; whereas, fine and ultrafine particles generally are able to penetrate to deep areas of the lung.
Fine and ultrafine particles are present in greater numbers and have greater surface area than larger particles of the same mass, and they are generally considered to be more toxic.
How might I be Exposed to Particulate Matter
People are exposed to PM from both naturally occurring processes and human activities. Sources of PM include cars, trucks, construction equipment, sanding, combustion and industrial processes. Because of their small size, fine particles tend to remain in the air for long periods of time (weeks or months)
Health Effects of Particulate Matter
The health effects of PM are likely to depend on several factors, including the size and composition of the particles, the level and duration of exposure, and age and sensitivity of the exposed person. Symptoms of exposure may include a sore throat, persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and chest pain. PM may also trigger asthma or may lead to premature death, particularly in the elderly who have preexisting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Because the symptoms associated with exposure to PM also may be caused by several other factors (e.g., exposure to allergens, molds, ozone, and other air pollutants), it is often difficult to determine whether PM or some other factor is responsible for an individual's symptom(s).
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