Health Effects of Particulate Pollutants

Dust, mist and fumes are airborne particles that are dangerous for human health:

• Particulate pollutants bigger than 5 microns are likely to settle in the nasal passage, whereas particles of about 10 microns enter the lungs easily and cause scarring, or fibrosis, of the lung lining. They irritate the lungs and cause cancer and asthma -- this disease is also called pneumoconiosis. Coal miners may suffer from black lung disease; textile workers may suffer from white lung disease.
• Lead particulates affect children's brain development, interfere with the maturation of RBCs, and can even cause cancer.
• Particulates in the atmosphere reduce visibility by scattering and absorbing sunlight -- this is dangerous for aircraft and motor vehicles. …