What harm does smog PM2.5 do to the human body?

M, the English full name is particulate matter (particulate matter), which is also the main pollutant of current air pollution. The PM2.5 we hear in the news or weather forecasts refers to the content of such particles per cubic meter of air.

In our lives, the main source of PM2.5 is the residue emitted by combustion in power plants, factories, automobile exhaust emissions and other processes around us, especially now that the number of private cars has increased sharply. This phenomenon is aggravated, and most of these residues contain toxic substances such as heavy metals, which are very harmful to human health. During this period, PM2.5 is the main reason for the haze that permeates most of the country.

Deng Jianping, a doctor of medicine at Dalian Aerospace Hospital, believes that haze weather caused by particulate matter such as PM2.5 is even more harmful to human health than sandstorms. Particles with a particle size of 10 microns or more will be blocked from the human nose; particles with a particle size between 2.5 microns and 10 microns can enter the upper respiratory tract, but some of them can be excreted through sputum, etc., and they will also be absorbed by the nasal cavity. The internal fluff blocks it, which is relatively less harmful to human health; while fine particles with a particle size of less than 2.5 microns, which is equivalent to 1/10 the size of human hair, are not easily blocked. After being inhaled into the human body, it will directly enter the bronchus and then enter the alveoli. In this way, the fine dust can be quickly absorbed and directly enter the blood circulation and be distributed throughout the body without going through liver detoxification. It will also damage the ability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen, which is harmful to anemia and blood circulation disorders. For patients, it may have serious consequences, including asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease.

In the face of severe weather such as haze, only by taking various measures can we avoid the harm it brings to people's normal life and health. Here, Deng Jianping gives several suggestions:

Try to avoid going out

Especially the elderly, children with weak resistance and susceptible people with respiratory diseases should try not to go out. , outdoor activities should also be stopped in hazy weather to prevent these particles from entering the lungs through the nose and mouth.

Cease or reduce outdoor exercise.

During haze weather, a large amount of dust and other toxic particles will be suspended in the air. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, obstructive emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are advised to stop outdoor exercise to avoid aggravating their condition. Generally speaking, the air pressure is low in haze weather. People with chronic diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease should reduce outdoor exercise to avoid inducing angina pectoris and heart failure.

Protect yourself when going out

In haze weather, if you want to go out, you should take personal protection. Masks are a good choice. Masks can prevent poisonous mist from entering the lungs through the mouth and nose. However, the choice of masks is also important. Medical masks are best. Citizens can go to pharmacies to buy medical masks produced by regular manufacturers and wear them correctly according to the instructions.