EPA PM 2.5 monitoring overview, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

’ PM 2.5 Fact Sheet Page 2 of 3

also experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness. Studies have also linked particulate pollution to increased risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and cardiovascular mortality.

- The elderly. The elderly are more likely to have preexisting lung and heart diseases, and therefore are more susceptible to health effects from exposure to particle pollution.

- Children. Children, even those without pre-existing illness or chronic conditions, are susceptible to air pollution because their lungs are still developing, and they are often engaged in vigorous outdoor activities, making them more sensitive to pollution than healthy adults. Studies have shown that in children, particulate pollution is associated with increased episodes of coughing and difficulty breathing, and decreased lung function.

- Smokers. People who smoke, especially those who have smoked for many years, generally have reduced lung function and may be affected by dust smoke exposure. Smokers are also less likely to recognize and report symptoms from exposure to irritant chemicals than nonsmokers.

What you can do to reduce your exposure to particulate matter

• When fine particle levels are high outdoors, they will likely be high indoors, since fine particles can enter through very small openings or cracks even if doors or windows are closed. Staying indoors, in a tightly closed house that has a filter on the heating or air conditioning system, can usually reduce exposure to larger particles.

• In the home, car and workplace:

• If particle levels are high outside, keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode, if available. Inspect and change filters often in home and workplace systems.

• When the air quality improves, you should open up and air out your homes.

• Reduce indoor sources of particles, including: propane and wood burning stoves and furnaces, natural gas stoves and ovens, and gas logs. Activities such as cooking, burning candles, and tobacco smoking greatly increase the particle levels in a home. Even vacuuming can stir up and greatly increase particle levels in the air.

• If you vacuum in an area with high dust levels, consider using a vacuum cleaner with a “high efficiency particulate arresting" or HEPA filter, if available.

• Some air cleaners can be effective at reducing indoor particulate levels, but they must properly matched to the size of the space to be cleaned. Keep these devices clean and the filters changed frequently.

• Wipe floors and hard surfaces with a damp mop or cloth that will retain the dust.

• People with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and children:

http://www.epa.gov/enviro/nyc/pm25/pm_fact_sheet.htnil 3/25/02

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