Many people in Asheville, NC likely worry about outdoor air quality and pollution. You know you want to stay away from car exhaust and smog, but you might be uncertain about what particulates have to do with air pollution and why it’s a concern. Below we’ll discuss where particulates come from and how they could impact your health.
Some Basic Info About Airborne Particulates
Particulates can be classified into two main categories: coarse and fine. Coarse particulates include larger pollutants like dust and dirt from construction sites, roads, and other sources. These particulates can easily irritate your eyes, throat, and nose. sometimes triggering allergy and asthma reactions. Fine particulates can be far more dangerous since some of them are small enough to get into your lungs and potentially even enter your bloodstream.
Allergies and Asthma
Both coarse and fine particulates can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms by irritating the airways. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Having a qualified technician perform seasonal preventative maintenance on HVAC and air purification devices is a good way to help mitigate indoor air quality problems.
Decreased Lung Function
Long-term exposure to certain kinds of particulate pollution has been linked to decreased lung function and other chronic respiratory disorders, particularly in the elderly and young children. For those who already have lung issues, such as those with asthma, their lung function can become even more restricted.
Irregular Heartbeat and Heat Attacks
Another way long-term exposure to some particulate pollution can affect your health is by irritating the lining and function of your heart. One of the ways this issue manifests itself is an irregular heartbeat. An irregular heartbeat can contribute to problems like strokes, blood clots, heart palpitations, or even heart attacks.
Small particulates can damage the inside walls of blood vessels. This causes the formation of scar tissues, making them harder and narrower. In turn, this can increase your blood pressure and the strain on your heart.
Don’t assume that the air you breathe in your home is free from particulate pollution. Contact Mountain Air Mechanical Contractors today to discuss your situation and have our NATE-certified technicians provide you with the indoor air quality services you need.
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