Particulate-Matter Related Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is suspended dust that has a diameter of <10 μm and can be inhaled by humans and depositedin the lungs, particularly the alveoli. Recent studies have shown that PM has an adverse effect on respiratory diseases. Theaim of this article is to review respiratory diseases associated with PM. According to existing studies, PM is associatedwith chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, and several other respiratory diseases and increasesthe mortality rates of these diseases. Moreover, increased exposure in the high concentration of atmospheric PM isassociated with the development of lung cancer. The most simple and common way to protect an individual fromairborne PM is to wear a face mask that filters out PM. In areas of high concentration PM, it is recommended to weara face mask to minimize the exposure to PM. However, the use of N95 or KF94 masks can interfere with respiration inpatients with chronic respiratory diseases who exhibit low pulmonary function, leading to an increased risk of respiratoryfailure. Conclusionally, reduction of the total amount of PM is considered to be important factor and strengthening thenational warning notification system to vulnerable patients and proper early management of exacerbated patients will beneeded in the future.