The cleanliness of the air is closely related to human health, and people living in cities are also most susceptible to air pollution. PM2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter in the air, is abundant in the air of cities. The higher the population density of cities, the more severe the air pollution. So, how is PM2.5 generated? What are the effects of PM2.5 on the respiratory system? What are the prevention and control measures for PM2.5? Below, I will introduce it to everyone.
There are two sources of PM2.5: natural sources and anthropogenic sources.
Natural resources include pollution sources formed by natural phenomena such as wind blown dust, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, soil and rock weathering, and biological decay.
Anthropogenic sources refer specifically to pollution sources formed by human life and production activities, including: 1. The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil;
2. Motor vehicle exhaust emissions;
3. Various industrial emissions of smoke and dust;
4. Burning materials in daily stoves;
5. Garbage incineration and biomass burning;
6. Construction dust;
7. Gaseous pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by human activities.
What are the effects of PM2.5 on the respiratory system? As we all know, the most direct and significant impact of PM2.5 on the human body is undoubtedly the damage it causes to the respiratory system. Fine particulate matter below PM2.5 can no longer be blocked by the nasal cavity and throat of the human body. They can descend all the way, enter the bronchioles and alveoli, then pass through the alveolar walls into the capillaries, and finally enter the entire circulatory system.
PM2.5 is like a carrier, carrying many harmful substances such as bacteria, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, etc. A large amount of particulate matter entering the lungs can block local tissues and reduce the ventilation of local bronchi. The deep part of the respiratory system is also a sensitive environment, and fine particles that remain in the respiratory system as foreign objects for a long time can also cause inflammation of the respiratory system. Causing coughing, difficulty breathing, rhinitis and pharyngitis, worsening asthma, leading to chronic bronchitis, etc. Therefore, PM2.5 in haze causes the most severe damage to the respiratory system and is to some extent irreversible.
Prevention and control measures for PM2.5
1. Energy conservation and emission reduction. Optimize the energy structure, strictly control the use of fossil fuels such as coal, improve fuel purification efficiency and the proportion of clean energy use, reduce PM2.5 emissions in exhaust, and strengthen supervision and management of building dust and garbage/straw incineration. In daily life, it is important to develop good energy-saving habits, such as setting the air conditioning to 20 ℃ in winter and 26 ℃ in summer; Use energy-saving lamps, purchase high-efficiency and low-energy appliances, and ensure that the appliances do not standby; Consciously resist excessive consumption.
2. Supplement water, because if the respiratory mucosa is dry, the defense function will significantly decrease. Healthy people should ensure that they drink around 2000 milliliters of water per day.
3. Improve the environment. Try to reduce smoking or even not smoking: Smoke contains a large amount of PM2.5, which can have direct and indirect harm to the human body. If it is impossible to prevent people around from smoking, then one should try to stay away from smoke as much as possible. 4. Monitoring and early warning. Establish a sound air pollution monitoring and early warning system, provide scientific and accurate air quality data information to the public, and timely issue risk warnings and protective suggestions. Remind people on hazy days to avoid going out as much as possible, minimize outdoor exercise on hazy days, and maintain personal hygiene and protection, such as washing hands, face, nose, and wearing masks.
In short, pollutants in the air usually invade the human body through respiratory organs and skin, causing health hazards to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and triggering respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, nasal inflammation, and other illnesses. So the most effective way to deal with air pollution is to choose an environmentally friendly and low-carbon lifestyle. After the overall ecological environment quality is improved, the air quality can naturally improve, and building a virtuous cycle between people and the environment is the best way to maintain human health.