5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Particulate Matter

Particulate Matter vs. Yellow Dust

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of dust and many different pollutants. Generally considered carcinogenic, it consists of ions like nitrate, ammonium, and sulfate, carbon compounds, and metallic compounds. While yellow dust is a natural phenomenon in spring that brings soil particles from China and Mongolia, PM is a man-made pollutant emitted from cars, plants, and homes by burning coals and oil. As PM is composed of harmful chemicals, it poses great health risks.

Why is Particulate Matter harmful?

Exposure to PM can cause various illnesses in our respiratory system and skin. A long-term exposure to ultrafine particles is particularly harmful. If you have weak bronchi, your condition gets worse and you might need hospital stays in the worst case. Also, people with existing heart or circulatory system conditions may develop hypertension and stoke. So, it is advised that people with a weak respiratory system, especially, the elderly, children, and pregnant women avoid going outside when the PM level is high and take extra care to minimize the adverse effects of PM.

How to Protect Yourself from Particulate Matter

  • 1
    Avoid opening windows

    When the PM level is high, keep windows closed to prevent it from coming inside.

  • 2
    Wear caps, glasses and filtering masks outdoors.

    PM blocks pores in the scalp and interferes with sebum secretion and circulation. So, wear a cap or a hat to protect your scalp, and make sure to shampoo your hair after coming back indoors. To guard your eyes from the dust, it is recommended to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. To prevent laryngitis, bronchitis, and other illnesses in the respiratory system, use special masks designed to filter particles.

  • 3
    Drink water as often as possible.

    Fine particles in your respiratory system make your throat sore and hoarse and can even cause inflammation. So, make sure to drink more than eight glasses of water a day. Water keeps the system hydrated and washes harmful particles off.

  • 4
    Wash your face and hands and brush your teeth more thoroughly.

    If you have weak and sensitive skin, take a shower and wash your face more thoroughly after coming back inside. Even clothes cannot block fine particles perfectly, so take a shower as soon as you come back home.

  • 5
    Eat wakame, fruits, and vegetables.

    Wakame, fruits, and vegetables prevent heavy metals in PM from accumulating in the body. Drinking green tea also works. Green tea raises the water content in the blood and accelerates elimination of the metals through urine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Particulate Matter

  • Q
    Is it true that pork belly is effective against yellow dust and particulate pollutants?
  • A
    There has been a myth that eating grilled pork belly washes the dust off from the bronchi, but it’s just a myth without any scientific evidence. While pork is a good source of protein which strengthens our immune system, it is unlikely to prevent or heal illnesses caused by the dust.
  • Q
    How can I ventilate my room while cleaning when the air is dusty outside?
  • A
    Keep the windows closed if possible. If you really need to open them, make sure to wipe every surface where the dust can accumulate with a wet cloth after closing the windows. If there’s someone with asthma or any chronic respiratory disease, it’s not recommended to open windows.
  • Q
    I kept fruits outside when it was so dusty outside. Can I eat them?
  • A
    Cover fruits, vegetables, and seafood with plastic wrap or keep them in closed containers when the air is dusty. Before you eat, clean them thoroughly with a food wash.

 

 

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