Particulates
Particulates
Particulates (/pɑːrˈtɪkjʊləts/), also known as particle pollution, are microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere. They are a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air.
Etymology
The term "particulates" is derived from the Latin word 'particula', meaning a small part or portion.
Types of Particulates
Particulates can be classified into two main types:
- Primary Particulates: These are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.
- Secondary Particulates: These form in complicated atmospheric reactions involving chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.
Health Effects
Exposure to particulates can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
- Premature death in people with heart or lung disease
- Nonfatal heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Aggravated asthma
- Decreased lung function
- Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.
Environmental Impact
Particulates can also have a significant impact on the environment. They can contribute to climate change by affecting the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface. They can also contribute to acid rain when they contain sulfur compounds.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Particulates
- Wikipedia's article - Particulates
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