Health effects caused by particulate matter and guidelines for health care

Jo Hyun-Jung, Park Seong-Woo, Lee Hee-Il, Lee Sang-Won
Division of Strategic Planning for Emerging Infectious Diseases, KCDC

Background: Since particulate matter (PM) comprises extremely small particles, it can persist in the atmosphere and penetrates the lungs through the respiratory tract and is transported to different parts of the body through the blood vessels, causing adverse effects on human body. PM mainly affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and can induces inflammatory reactions through direct contact with the skin, eyes, nose and throat mucous membranes. Because the annual average concentration of PM in Korea remains continuously high in spring and winter, it is essential to protect human health against its adverse impacts.
Current status: PM can affect the general population, especially those with low immunity, such as children, elderly, pregnant females, and patients with underlying diseases (respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma), who can be classified as the vulnerable group.
Future Perspective: The best precaution against PM is to minimize exposure. Therefore, it is important to check the daily PM concentration and minimize outdoor activity. Wearing of masks by individuals belonging to the vulnerable group may lead to development of symptoms such as dyspnea, headache. In this case, they need to take off it immediately and consult with doctors about the mask wearing.

Keywords: Particulate matter, Respiration disorders, Cardiovascular diseases, Inflammation, Mucous membrane