Everything you're missing out on about fine dust

19 Things You Need to Know About Particulate Matter

 

The dust of death, the ashen scourge, the stealthy killer. It refers to fine dust. According to the World Health Organization, about 7 million people died from fine dust worldwide in 2014. Since 1998, Korea has ranked first in the OECD's survey on exposure to ultrafine dust, and in particular, the most recent results recorded the worst value since the survey began.

 

Fine dust is expected again this spring, so in order to inform people about the correct understanding of fine dust and how to deal with it, we will introduce 'Fine Dust and Health Q&A' with the help of the medical staff of Seoul National University Hospital.

 

Q1. In the past, fine dust was not often mentioned. When did fine dust start attracting attention in the medical field?

It has been known that air pollution can cause enormous damage to health, having experienced large-scale disasters such as Meuse Valley in Belgium in 1930, Donora in Pennsylvania in the United States in 1948, and smog in London in 1952.

In the early 1990s, interest and concern about air pollution increased significantly after a Harvard University study showed that the risk of death increased with higher air pollution even at substandard concentrations. Currently, air quality standards are being further strengthened around the world, including developed countries.

 

Q2. What is the difference between fine dust and ultrafine dust?

 

Air pollutants include gaseous matter and particulate matter, and dust is particulate matter (PM) that floats or is blown away in the atmosphere. Particulate Matter). Dust classification has been subdivided with the development of measurement technology. In the 2000s, PM10, which was less than 10 micrometers in diameter, and in the 2010s, PM2.5, which is one-twentieth the diameter of a human hair, were mainly studied.

In Korea, PM10 is usually translated as fine dust and PM2.5 as ultrafine dust, but since last year, the Ministry of Environment has changed the terminology to PM10 as suspended dust and PM2.5 as fine dust. However, since the two terms are still used interchangeably, it is necessary to distinguish them as PM10 and PM2.5.

 

Q3. Why are you measuring and managing each size separately?

The classification of dust is arbitrary because it is influenced by the development of measurement technology. However, studies have shown that different sizes of dust have different health effects.

In particular, it is known that dust with a diameter of 20 micrometers or more can only penetrate into the upper respiratory tract, and dust of less than 5 micrometers can penetrate into the alveoli. In the future, there is the possibility of measuring and managing smaller sizes of dust.

 

Q4. What is the source of fine dust?

Particle size varies depending on the source. Dust from the soil and soot from the incineration process are large in size, while particles produced through the high-temperature combustion process are very small.

Although there is no clear distinction between the sources of PM10 and PM2.5, the impact on PM2.5 is generally greater for power plants, factories, and automobile pollutants. On the other hand, yellow dust, which frequently affects Korea around March~May, is a source of PM10 as dirt.

 

Q5. Even on a clear and blue day, can't you be relieved by fine dust?

In general, PM2.5 can affect visibility by scattering light more easily than PM10. Therefore, even if the PM10 concentration is high, if the PM2.5 concentration is normal, it is difficult for the general public to determine whether the air pollution is high or low because the visibility distance is actually long.

PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations tend to be different, but they don't always match, so it's important to check them all. Several countries, including the Ministry of Environment of Korea, analyze PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations together and inform the general public.

 

Q6. What is the classification standard of fine dust in Korea and how does it compare with other countries?

From March 27, 2018, the environmental standards for fine dust will be PM2.5 daily average ▲15μg/㎥ or less, ▲35μg/㎥ or less, moderate ▲75μg/㎥ or less, ▲76μg/㎥ or more is very bad. However, not only in Korea, but also in the United States and Europe, the standards are constantly being strengthened. Rather than being bound by administrative standards, it is necessary to check and prepare for yourself.

 

Q7. What is the route through which fine dust goes and how does it affect the human body?

Dust larger than 100 micrometers in diameter can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, but it does not penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Dust larger than 20 micrometers can penetrate into the upper respiratory tract, while dust smaller than 5 micrometers can penetrate deep into the lungs and into the alveoli.

PM2.5 surfaces contain a lot of harmful substances such as heavy metals that can cause oxidative damage. These substances can directly affect the lung tissue or cause a secondary local inflammatory response through the action of immune-related cells, causing damage to the respiratory system as well as spreading throughout the body, affecting the cardiovascular system, brain and nervous system. Recently, studies have shown that it can penetrate directly into the systemic circulation and cause problems.

 

Q8. What diseases does fine dust cause specifically?

The most well-known are the exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure for months as well as short-term exposure within a few weeks increases the risk of deterioration. In particular, asthma patients need to be careful because even if they go outside for only a few days, their disease is likely to worsen when the fine dust environment is bad.

In addition, fine dust can aggravate circulatory systems, i.e., ischemic heart diseases such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, or increase mortality. The risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and other heart diseases also increases.

 

Q9. Is particulate matter related to depression?

Recent studies have shown that chronic exposure to fine dust can also affect other organs such as the brain. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the systemic inflammatory response, which increases the risk of depression and suicide. In adults and the aging population, an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, and in infants and young children, an increased risk of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder has been reported.

 

Q10. Are air pollution and fine dust carcinogens?

Since 2013, the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution and fine particulate matter as Class 1 carcinogens, meaning that they each have sufficient evidence of carcinogenesis in humans . These studies are very consistent across the world, not just in specific countries. In addition to lung cancer, a link with bladder cancer has also been reported. Breast and blood cancers are still lacking in data and further research is needed.

 

Q11. How does fine dust affect vulnerable people such as pregnant women, fetuses, and infants?

Exposure to PM2.5 or PM10 during pregnancy can cause low birth weight of 2,500 grams or less and premature birth within 37 weeks. Low birth weight increases fetal mortality and can lead to problems such as undergrowth of organs. There is a suspicion of a link between stillbirth and congenital abnormalities in the fetus, but further research is needed.

Infants and young children can have a variety of effects even at low levels of exposure. Children who have lived in areas with high air pollution for many years have increased rates of poor lung growth, increased risk of obesity, cognitive decline, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorder

 

Q12. What are the principles to protect your health from fine dust?

Real-time air pollution levels by region are disclosed on the 'Air Korea' webpage operated by the Ministry of Environment, so it is necessary to pay attention to this information.

 

 

When PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are high, reduce outdoor activities such as cycling or running, and wear a face mask if necessary. Health masks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are labeled as 'quasi-drugs' and KF80, KF94, and KF99 on the outer packaging of the product. The higher the number, the more external PM2.5 or PM10 is filtered, but the disadvantage is that it makes breathing uncomfortable. Ordinary people who do not have underlying diseases do not have any major problems if they use KF80.

Indoors, close the windows to block PM2.5 and PM10 from entering, and use an air purifier with a high-performance HEPA filter.

 

Q13. What is the proper use of a health mask?

In addition to health masks, cold masks and disposable masks have a very small blocking effect. PM2.5 is 1/20~1/30 of the size of a human hair, so ordinary cloth will pass through. Masks are used in slightly different ways, so refer to the instruction manual, but the general rule is that they stick closely to the nose, cheeks, and lower jaw to prevent contaminants from entering.

In addition, it should be avoided to reuse it after washing, as it usually deforms its shape and reduces its functionality. If you put a tissue on it, fine dust may be inhaled through the gaps. In addition, since most of the fine dust is inhaled through the nose, it is useless to just cover the mouth.

 

 

<Pictured left, wearing a proper health mask; It must be in close contact to prevent contaminants from entering. On the right side of the photo, disposable masks (top) and cotton masks (bottom); It does not filter fine dust>

 

Q14. There is a myth that if you eat a lot of fatty things such as pork belly to wash away fine dust, it will get better. What foods help discharge fine dust?

There is no evidence that any food reduces the health effects of PM2.5 and PM10 exposure. However, in general, it is recommended to drink water little by little and frequently so that the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract can absorb and expel dirt as the amount of moisture increases. Gargling, gargling, and saline irrigation in the nasal cavity can also help. In addition, since exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 causes oxidative damage and chronic inflammation, moderate intake of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and seaweed, which have high antioxidant properties, can also be beneficial.

 

Q15. Does it affect not only the body, but also the bags and clothes that are exposed to the outside?

If dust such as PM2.5 or PM10 accumulates on clothes or bags after outdoor activities, it can secondarily pollute the room. Before returning home, you should carefully shake off the dust on your clothes or bag with your back to the wind to prevent indoor pollution. After going out, you should not only wash your hands, but also wash your hair to remove PM2.5 and PM10, which are not easily shaken off between them. In particular, if you have infants, pregnant women, or people with chronic diseases at home, you need to be more careful.

 

Q16. On a day when fine dust is severe, what are the rules for living indoors? Do I need ventilation?

If PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are high, windows should be closed and ventilation should be reduced as much as possible. However, if you've grilled or fried meat, or if you've cleaned or smoked, it's a good idea to open the windows or run the ventilation system, as the air in the room can be worse.

If you open the window to ventilate, it is best to do so within 3 minutes as much as possible, and after ventilation, clean the areas that are prone to dust accumulation with a wet rag. Fine dust can float around indoors without sinking, so it is recommended to use a wet mop rather than a vacuum cleaner. However, if you have people who are sensitive to air pollution, such as asthma, it is best not to open windows until PM2.5 and PM10 levels are lowered.

 

Q17. What measures are needed in society regarding fine dust?

Environmental pollution such as fine dust is a problem for all of us, and there is a limit to how much an individual can respond to. The surest way to protect your health is to reduce pollutants. To this end, the country should reduce pollutants emitted from automobiles, factories, power plants, and construction sites and ban illegal incineration. In addition, pollution originating from China and North Korea also has a great impact on Korea, so it is necessary to make international efforts to reduce pollutants, share information, and conduct joint research.

 

Q18. Should I wear glasses rather than lenses on days when there is a lot of fine dust?

Fine dust settles on the surface of the eyeball, irritating and causing inflammation. In particular, recent studies have shown that inflammation is closely related to dry eyes.

Soft contact lenses can cause dry eyes, so wearing glasses may be beneficial, but this is not a scientifically confirmed result. Wearing lenses reduces oxygen permeability to the cornea. Soft lenses require a certain amount of moisture to maintain their softness, and when they cover the surface of the eye, they share precious tears, which are the only source of moisture.

In the case of hard lenses, apart from fine dust, it is advisable to wear glasses because when large particles such as yellow dust are blown away, foreign substances can enter between the lens and the surface of the cornea, causing irritation and damaging the surface of the cornea.

In addition, glasses also have the effect of blocking the wind, so it is recommended to wear glasses rather than lenses for eye health on days when there is a lot of fine dust.

 

Q19. What else can you do for your eye health?

When the air pollution index is bad due to fine dust, you should refrain from going out as much as possible, and if you show symptoms of eye irritation such as redness, foreign body sensation, or burning sensation, you should visit an ophthalmologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Regarding dry eye syndrome, which is inevitably increasing in modern society, it is very important to improve the working environment. If you spend too much time concentrating on your computer or mobile phone, the number of blinks decreases, which increases the evaporation of tears, and if you turn on the heat, the humidity in the room decreases, which worsens the symptoms. It is helpful to use a humidifier to adjust the humidity and reduce the temperature of the room or ventilate the room.

If eye irritation is severe, it may be helpful to reduce exposure to irritants such as eye makeup and coloring. There are reports that taking omega-3s as oral medications can help with dry eye syndrome by reducing inflammation and improving the function of oil glands in the eyelids. (The re-esterified triglyceride form has been reported to be highly bioavailable.) UV rays accelerate the aging of the eyes, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses on days when the sun is strong.