PM 2.5 are tiny air pollutants already well known in Asia for their hazardous effects on Health. While PM 2.5 is generally a bigger issue in Asia, it’s a problem everywhere. PM 2.5 is especially problematic in California where forest fires have brought air pollution 60x above the safe limit. This is even worse than the average pollution level in Asian mega-cities. Dense PM 2.5 levels create the hazy air that is famous in Asia and increasingly common worldwide.

Source: https://e360.yale.edu/digest/air-pollution-from-california-wildfires-60-times-above-safe-limit

Bangkok

LA

PM 2.5 VS. our lungs:

“The widths of the larger particles in the PM 2.5 size range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair. The smaller particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of this sentence. Particles in the PM 2.5 size range are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM 2.5 exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5 .”

Source: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/pmq_a.htm

Not just in Asia, not just in the City

Aside from the misconception that air pollution is only truly harmful in Asia, it can also be harmful in rural areas. PM 2.5 doesn’t only come from car exhaust and industry but also agriculture. This can be observed on airvisual.com which has a global map of air pollution.

https://www.airvisual.com/ is an amazing resource for keeping track of air pollution. it even provides forecasts.

How do I protect myself?

While there are many things we should do for preservation of our planet and our species, I’ll save that for another post. Instead I’ll focus on how we can protect ourselves and our families.

Air Purifiers: many Air Purifiers are capable of filtering PM 2.5 out of our air along with other harmful pollutants. It is recommended you keep one in your home, office, and car. Air Conditioners do not filter PM 2.5

Masks: there are masks capable of filtering PM 2.5, make sure you are diligent in buying a mask made to filter PM 2.5 as thin paper masks similar to what doctors use are very ineffective.

Avoid exercise

The more you breathe, the more pollutants you’re bringing into your Lungs. If you’re an athlete or need exercise for your well being it is advisable to go somewhere with suitable levels of air pollution before bringing up your heart rate.