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A. .DEQ~...""..},/.. . .~. .'-h.~, Arizona ~nt of Environmental Quality JIIltt NIPIIIluo, eo.emor 5I<!pIoonA. 0wIIm. ~.Dl_ 7A Page 75 Particulate Matter Health Information WHAT IS PARTICULATE MAneR? Particulate matter is atmixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in air. This pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates). organic chemicals. metals, soil or dust partlcles, and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mold spores). The size of pa."ticles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems. because they can get deep into your lungs. and some may even get into your bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. larger particles are of less concern, although they can irritate your eyes. nose and throat. Small particles of concern include "fine particlesi' (such as those found in smoke and haze). which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, and "coarse particles" (such as those found in wind~blown dust). which have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers. ARE YOU AT RISK FROM PARTICLES? People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are considered at greater risk from particles than other people, especially when they are physically active. Exercise and physical ac:tivity cause people to breathe faster and more deeply and to take more particles into their lungs. People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease. congestive heart failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPO) are at Increased risk, because particles can aggravate these diseases. People with diabetes also may be at increased risk. possibly because they are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease. Older adults are at increased risk. possibly because they may have undiagno~ heart or lung disease or diabetes. Many studies show that when particle levels are high, older adults are more likely to be hospitalized, and some may die of aggravated heart or lung disease. Children are likely at increa.sedrisk for several rea..cons. Their lungs are stili developing. they spend more time at high ac:tMty levels, and they are more likely to have asthma or acute respiratory diseases. which can be aggravated when partide levels are high. It appears that risk varies throughout a lifetime, generally being higher in early childhood. lower in healthy adolescents and younger adults, and increas- ing in middle age through old age as the incidence of heart and lung disease and diabetes increases. Factors that increase your risk of heart attack, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. also may increase your risk from particles. In addition, scientists are evaluating new studies that suggest that exposure to highpartide levels may also be associated with low birth weight In infants. pre--term deliveries and possibly fetal and infant deaths. HOW CAN PAlmClES AFFECT YOUR HEALTH? PartIcle exposure 'can lead to a variety of health effects. For example, numerous studies link particle levels to increased hospital admisSions and emergency room visits-and even to death from heart or lung diseases. Both long~ and short-tenn particle. exposures have been linked to health problems. Long-term exposures. such as those experienced by people IMng for many years in areas with high particle levels, have been associated' with problems such as reduced lung function andtha development of chronic bronchitis and even premature death. Short~erm exposures to partides (hours or days) can aggravate lung disease. causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also lnc:rease susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people with heart disease. short~term exposures have been linked to heart attaCks and arrhythmiaS. Healthy children and adults have not been reported to suffer serious effects from short-term exposures. although they may experience tempor:arY minor irritation when particle levels are elevated. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PARTICLE EXPOSURE? Even if you ate healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms. such as irritatlonof the eyes. nose. and throat: coughing. phlegm. chest tightness, and shortness of breath.