Who is Most at Risk?

People with heart or lung disease:

Conditions make them vulnerable

Older Adults:

Greater prevalence of heart and lung disease

Children:

More likely to be active

Breathe more air per pound

Bodies still developing

Particle Pollution

Particle pollution contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. A number of scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems.

Health Consequences of Exposure

Exposure to fine particles is linked to:

Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing
Aggravated asthma
Development of chronic bronchitis
Irregular heartbeat
Non-fatal heart attacks
Aggravation of heart and lung diseases
Premature death in people with heart or lung disease
Possibly linked to lung cancer deaths, infant mortality and developmental problems such as low birth weight in children.

How Do Fine Particles Interact with the Body?

Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems because the nose and throat filter larger particles penetrating deep into lungs.
Particles can accumulate, react, absorb, or be cleared by the lungs
Particles can enter the bloodstream

Map

Mat-Su Area Map