Particulate Matter and the Air We Breathe

Help from NEA Health Information Network

As the research continues to mount, it’s no secret that healthy indoor air in our schools is directly linked to staff and student performance. Particulate matter, one of many classes of pollutants found in schools, poses a serious health risk to staff and students.

Particulate matter is fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, and fog. There are many sources of particulate matter, such as incomplete combustion, poorly maintained ventilation systems, and diesel and car exhaust. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke, while others are so small they can be detected only with an electron microscope. When fine particulate matter (less than 2.5 microns in size), or PM2.5, is breathed in, it can irritate and damage the lungs and be absorbed into the blood stream.

Particulate matter is associated with many health effects, including lung disease, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Fine particulate matter poses the greatest health risk, because it can pass through the nose and throat and become lodged in the lungs. Short-term exposure may cause shortness of breath, eye and lung irritation, nausea, light-headedness, and possible allergy aggravations. Particles can aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, and have been directly associated with increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits for heart and lung disease, decreased lung function, and premature death.

Additional details on particulate matter, including testing information, can be found at the NEA Health Information Network Web site at www.neahin.org.