Air Pollution in Belfast

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punjab pollution control board

Air Pollution in Belfast

Nearly double the amount of internationally accepted levels of pollution was found over Belfast during the bonfire night. The fine particulates have adverse effects on kids, old and sick. The PM2.5 level found in the city was found to be 4-5 times higher than the usual level. The pollution level present in the city was in the peak from midnight and it dropped from the peak in next morning. The PM2.5 level was found to be two times greater than the recommended level mentioned by WHO.
The problems associated with PM2.5 are Lung Problems, Cardiovascular Problems etc. and these have very severe effects on very young ones and old people. Also the long term exposure to these particulate matter might result in shortening life.

What is Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)?
Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to the tiny particles or droplets that are present in air. They are about 2½ microns in size. (Micron is a unit for measuring the distance and there is about 25,000 microns in an inch).

How can PM2.5 affects health?
PM2.5 are very fine particulates. It can travel deep into respiratory system and can reach the lungs. Short term health effects includes eyes, nose, throat and lung irritation, running nose, cough, shortness of breath, sneezing etc. It might also result in several other respiratory & cardiovascular problems & PM 2.5 Long-term exposure might result in chronic bronchitis, possibilities of lung cancer, heart disease etc.

Where does PM2.5 come from?
PM 2.5 comes from both indoor and outdoor sources. The primary outdoor sources includes exhausts of car, truck, bus and other vehicle exhausts, burning of fuels such as wood, coal, etc. Chemical reaction from power plants also produces particulate matter. PM2.5 is also produced by common indoor activities. Some indoor sources of fine particles are tobacco smoke, cooking activities such as frying, sautéing, and boiling, burning candles or oil lamps, and operating fireplaces and fuel-burning space heaters such as kerosene heaters.