How PM Affects Your Health

PM, depending on its size, can cause various health troubles.  PM 2.5 is small enough to travel from the lungs into the bloodstream, which can cause cardiovascular problems.  Numerous scientific studies have linked PM exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing;

• decreased lung function;

• aggravated asthma;

• development of chronic bronchitis;

• irregular heartbeat;

• nonfatal heart attacks; and

• premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Children, the elderly and people with preexisting heart or lung conditions are especially sensitive to the effects of PM.  Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms when exposed to high levels of PM.