By nature, when we breathe, nasal hairs act as a primary filter for the air before it enters the alveoli in the lungs to exchange and absorb oxygen into the bloodstream to various organs in the body. However, when inhaling air containing PM 2.5 dust or particles smaller than 2.5 microns, due to the very small size of these particles, they can easily enter the body and cause various health problems.
Dangers of PM2.5 Dust: One of the Factors Causing Diseases!
Inhaling toxic dust may not cause immediate acute side effects in some patients, while others may accumulate heavy metals mixed in the fine dust. Continuous inhalation or accumulation of toxins in various organs can lead to heart disease, vascular disease, brain disorders, and cancer in the long term.
Which Groups Should Be Especially Careful of PM 2.5 Dust?
The groups that need special care are patients with allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases, especially elderly patients, children, and pregnant women. Normally, asthma patients already need to protect themselves from various pollutants when breathing in normal air without PM 2.5 contamination. When the air contains PM 2.5 dust, protection must be increased and improved because exposure to irritants can trigger asthma attacks or nasal mucosa inflammation, causing symptoms such as nasal burning, congestion, itching, or abnormal mucus production.
For both the general population without underlying diseases and at-risk patients, avoiding dust by staying indoors is an important practice. If it is necessary to go outside, wearing an N95 mask is recommended to prevent dust from causing allergies, asthma attacks, or nasal mucosa inflammation. Additionally, if any abnormal symptoms occur, it is better to see a doctor promptly.
