Air Pollution: A Medical Perspective

In recent years, scientists have begun to understand a great deal about the effects of a type of air pollution referred to as particulate matter. One type that is especially worrisome is called PM 2.5, meaning matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size. This means, roughly, about one-thirtieth the size of a human hair. The reason that PM 2.5 is dangerous is that the particles are small enough to penetrate into the deepest part of the lungs. This, in turn, means that they are directly linked to asthma, bronchitis, and chronic respiratory illness. Scientists have also linked PM 2.5 to low birth weight babies, heart disease, some cancers, and premature deaths in elderly people.

In this video, Philip D. Carey, MD (Internal Medicine, Pulmonary) discusses the dangers of PM2.5 to the health of our nation. Dr. Carey gives particular focus to the residents of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Cumberland County has been ranked the 24th most polluted county in the United States based on the level of PM2.5.

For more information, please visit http://www.cleanairboard.org/

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Education

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