Did you know that just a few hours of exposure to PM 2.5 fine dust can severely harm your respiratory system? According to the Vietnam Environmental Monitoring Center, PM 2.5 pollution in major urban areas has reached alarming levels. In Ho Chi Minh City, PM 2.5 concentration on December 4 was recorded at 123.56 µg/m³ — 24 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m³.
Let discover with expert at Hoan My Gold PXL in learning how to protect your health from this silent killer!
What is PM 2.5 fine dust?
Particulate matter (PM) or fine dust is made up of a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in air, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil particles, and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mold spores).
Fine dust levels in Ho Chi Minh City exceed standards, warning of numerous health risks
The size of the particles determines their impact on human health. The most concerning are fine dust particles, commonly found in smoke and haze, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM 2.5). These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream. Larger particles may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, or skin but are generally less hazardous.
Sources of PM 2.5 fine dust
Fine dust is present everywhere, infiltrating every corner of our lives:
- Outdoor sources: Vehicle exhaust, wood burning, gas emissions, or wildfires. Pollution can travel long distances, originating from events like forest fires hundreds of kilometers away.
- Indoor sources: Cigarette smoke, fumes from cooking or frying, burning candles, oil lamps, or fireplaces.
How can particulate matter affect your health?
Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
- Reduced lifespan in individuals with heart or lung conditions.
- Heart attacks.
- Irregular heart rhythms.
- Worsened respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
- Decreased lung function.
- Increased risks of Cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Vulnerable groups such as people with heart or lung diseases, Diabetes patients, the elderly, and children are more affected by PM 2.5 exposure, especially during physical activities. Outdoor exercise accelerates breathing, leading to more fine dust entering the lungs.
Symptoms of particle exposure
Many subtle symptoms emerge with prolonged exposure to fine dust.
Healthy people may also experience temporary symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, phlegm, chest tightness, and shortness of breath when particulate conditions are poor.
Especially, if you have lung disease, you may not be able to breathe as deeply or as easily as you normally can, and you may experience coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue during periods of elevated particulate matter pollution.
How to prevent the effects of fine dust pollution
With various mobile applications now available to monitor air pollution levels, you can adjust your daily activities to minimize exposure. To reduce the impact of fine dust, you should:
- Use air purifiers, turn on air conditioners or fans for air circulation, and use range hoods while cooking indoors.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution periods.
- Limit activities that produce fine dust, such as smoking, burning garbage, grilling food, lighting candles, or using oil lamps and fireplaces.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise to strengthen your immune system and mitigate the effects of fine dust.
- Participate in environmental protection activities.
ENT Care at Hoan My Gold PXL Medical Center
Fine dust is a leading cause of ENT – related diseases such as sinusitis, nasal irritation, chronic pharyngitis, and prolonged shortness of breath. In the current polluted environment, these symptoms may worsen if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Don’t let fine dust silently harm your health! Let experience comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for ENT conditions at Hoan My Gold PXL with our experts. With a team of experienced doctors, state-of-the-art equipment, and a complete care process, we ensure optimal results and peace of mind for every patient.
For consultation and appointment bookings, please contact us at (028) 3990 3995 or 0901 840 678.
This article has been medically reviewed by Nguyen Hai Linh, MD – ENT Specialist at Hoan My Sai Gon Hospital.
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