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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, on October 1. All air quality research stations in Lithuania recorded up to 3 times higher concentrations of particles in ambient air. In the next few days an unfavorable climate will prevail, so the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air will continue to be high.
NVSC specialists advise on how to behave these days so that we do not harm our health.
Effects of particulate matter on human health
Particulate matter is a mixture of airborne particles and liquid droplets, which can contain various components: acids, sulfates, nitrates, organic compounds, metals, soil particles, dust, soot, biological components (allergens, microorganisms).
Larger particulate matter (PM10) generally affects the upper respiratory tract, travels to the bronchi, generally causes coughing and sneezing, and small particles (PM2.5) enter the lungs, blood, and can affect not only the respiratory system but also circulatory, deteriorating the internal organs. function, complicates the course of chronic diseases.
Due to their complex chemical and physical composition, the particles also cause specific health effects specific to the specific substance they contain. For example, due to the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soot, PM2.5 soot is toxic and carcinogenic. Scientific sources indicate that on days when the concentration of particulate matter in the air increases, mortality increases.
Precautions – recommendations for the population:
- for patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, heart or lung diseases) we recommend that you stay home and monitor your health;
- for those who work and play sports, we offer to limit physical activity outdoors, be in places away from busy streets, other sources of ambient air pollution;
- for work or other reasons, we recommend the use of respiratory protection for prolonged use in contaminated areas;
- we recommend everyone to forgo private cars and use public transport;
- do not create fires or burn waste in gardens and suburbs; avoid heating the premises with solid fuel appliances;
- If you feel unwell, see a doctor immediately.
More detailed data on air quality surveys can be found in the “Air Quality Indicators” section of the Environmental Protection Agency website.
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