Particulate
matter
(PM)
is
a
serious
threat
to
human
health.
Short-term
exposure
to
high
levels
of
this
pollutant
is
just
as
dangerous
as
long-term
exposure
to
high
or
low
levels.
There
are
no
safe
levels
of
exposure
because PM exposure health effects are cumulative. How so?
PM
health
risks
associated
with
dune
dust
are
primarily
from
inhaling
airborne
particles
that
are
10
micrometers
or
smaller.
These
very
small
particles
are
trapped
in
the
lung.
Particles
that
are
not
dissolved
are
absorbed
into
the
lining
of
the
lung.
This
causes
scar
tissue
that
over
time
can
accumulate
enough
to
impair
lung
function.
The
smallest
particles
can
pass
through
the
lungs
into
the
blood
stream,
affecting
organs.
Exposure
to
PM
pollution
has
been
shown
to
increase
incidents
of
lung
impairment,
heart
disease
and
cancer
in
exposed
populations,
and
to
aggravate
existing
lung
health
problems.
Learn
more
about
PM
related
health
issues from the information sources listed in the table below.
Subject: Health impacts related to elevated
levels of particulate matter (PM) in the
Nipomo/Oceano Dunes area.
San Luis Obispo County Health Commission
Excerpts from website regarding particulate
matter and Health.
Center for Disease Control
American Lung Association web page on
particle pollution. Includes a video explaining
the way particles damage lungs.
American Lung Association
Fine particles of pollution that linger in the air can
increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
HealthDay News
Time magazine article on Dr. Hazrije Mustafic study
findings showing high levels of particulates elevates risk
of heart attack and stroke.
NBC News
The ambient air quality standards (AAQS) for
particulate matter (PM) that can be present in
outdoor air without threatening public health.
California Air Resources Board
•
What Is Particle Pollution? Who Is at Risk?
•
What Can Particles Do to Your Health?
•
Short-Term Exposure Can Be Deadly?
•
Year-Round Exposure Can Kill and May Cause Cancer.
•
EPA Concludes Fine Particle Pollution Poses Serious Health
Threats.
•
Where Does Particle Pollution Come From?
•
Are Some Particles More Dangerous than Others?
American Lung Association
Summary of PM health effects and explanation
of the EPA Air Quality Index (AQI)
United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
Low-Concentration PM2.5 and Mortality: Estimating
Acute and Chronic Effects in a Population-Based Study
Study report showing both short- and long-term
exposures to fine particulate matter (≤ 2.5 μm; PM2.5)
are associated with mortality.
Environmental Health Perspectives
Reports on a study that is the first large epidemiological
analysis to examine the possible impact of PM2.5 exposure
on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-
stage renal disease (ESRD).
Journal of the American Society of
Nephrology (JASN)
2018-01-18 American Lung Association Letter to Gary
Willey, SLO County APCD Air Pollution Control Officer
Bonnie Holmes-Gen
Senior Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
American Lung Association
Subject: Oceano Dunes: Lung Health Impacts of
Particle Pollution
Mesa Air Facts!
