Particulate matter pollution consists of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets present in the air you breathe. More specifically, particulate matter is a combination of ash and soot caused by burning fuels, soil dust, chemical compounds, organic chemicals and metals that are often less than one-hundredth the width of a human hair. While particles are always in the air, high concentrations and/or specific types of particles can pose potentially serious health risks.
Where Does Particulate Matter Come From?
Particulate pollution comes from diverse sources including factory and utility smokestacks, vehicle exhaust, wood burning, burning leaves, mining, construction activity and agriculture. Particulates also come from aerosols that are formed in the atmosphere from gaseous combustion by-products such as volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.Particles emitted from power plants, industrial sites, and automobiles make up most of the fine particle pollution in Illinois.
How big is Particulate Matter?
Some dust and dirt particles are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small, they can only be detected using a microscope. Particle size is directly linked to the potential for causing health problems. Small particles - those less than 10 micrometers in diameter – 1/8th the width of a human hair, pose the greatest problems because they can get deep into your lungs, and some can even get into your bloodstream.
How Does Particulate Matter Affect Health?
Particulate matter air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as people with heart disease.
Exposure to particulate air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways. Recent research has also linked exposure to relatively low concentrations of particulate matter with heart attacks, strokes and premature death. Those at greatest risk are the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart disease.
PM Exposure has been linked to the following health problems:
• Increased respiratory symptoms:
- Irritation of the airways
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
• Decreased Lung Function
• Aggravated Asthma
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Heart Attacks
• Strokes
• Premature Death - in people with Heart or Lung Disease
How Can I Protect Myself from Particulate Matter?
On days when air pollution levels are high or Air Pollution Action Days, avoid physical exertion between 11 am and 8 pm. This is especially important for the elderly, children and people suffering from lung or heart diseases. If possible, limit outdoor activities or stay indoors at a comfortable temperature when air pollution levels are high. Individuals should also avoid exercising near high-traffic areas.
What is an Air Pollution Action Day?
Each day, air quality data is collected from a network of air monitoring stations located throughout the Chicagoland region. When data from these monitors indicate conditions are right for unhealthful levels of ozone and/or particulate matter, an Air Pollution Action Day will be declared. On an Air Pollution Action Day, the public will be asked to avoid activities that result in excess pollution until the health threat has passed.
How Can I Find Out About Air Pollution Action Days?
Various media sources will be notified about important air quality information through news releases and Illinois EnviroFlash. These media outlets report Air Pollution Action Day messages through regional television, radio, newspapers and websites (www.cleantheair.org).
You can receive air quality forecasts and/or Air Pollution Action Day notices by signing up for EnviroFlash. By registering for Illinois EnviroFlash, you can receive air quality forecasts via e-mail or by text message on your cell phone. The system will also send out Air Pollution Action Days information.
Up-to-date information from EnviroFlash allows you to make decisions based on air quality forecasts. EnviroFlash comes to you through a partnership between the U.S. EPA and the Illinois EPA - notifying you via e-mail about air quality so you don't have to go searching for it!
For more information, log onto www.Illinois.enviroflash.info.
What Can I Do to Help Reduce Air Pollution?
Here are some simple voluntary actions you can take to reduce ozone and particulate matter air pollution:
- Avoid making fires in wood-burning fireplaces and fire-pits.
- Mulch or compost leaves and other yard waste rather than burning.
- Limit driving alone. Take public transit, Rideshare, walk or bike.
- When driving, try to run errands in the evening, consolidate destinations and avoid idling.
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Set your thermostat up at least 2 degrees during the summer and down at least 2 degrees in the winter.
- Turn off and unplug electronics.
- Use environmentally friendly “low VOC” paint and household cleaning products.
- Switch to reusable grocery bags and water bottles.
- Limit use of gasoline-powered home and yard equipment or switch to electric.
- Use a charcoal chimney instead of lighter fluid when grilling.