Why Choose Fine Particulate Matter?
There are many types of air pollutants, including toxic pollutants, gasses including ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particles. We have chosen fine particulate matter (PM2.5) because it causes significant negative effects on human health and is prevalent throughout the Georgia Basin Puget Sound airshed. Because of their extremely small size, fine particles can lodge deep into the lungs, making it difficult for us to expunge them through coughing or sneezing. Fine particulate matter can cause or aggravate a number of health problems and have been linked with illnesses and deaths from heart or lung disease. Particle pollution can also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, causing more use of medication and more doctor visits.
