How does dust affect our health? Who should be cautious?

Created By RISC | 2 weeks ago

Last modified date : 1 week ago

When dust becomes part of daily life, we have to be aware and protect ourselves to avoid serious diseases.

Bangkok and several other provinces have recently faced excessive PM2.5. We’ve grown accustomed to smog replacing clear blue skies and daily news reports on hazardous dust levels. Our health is affected as well as visibility.

This January, PM2.5 levels in Bangkok and its surrounding areas surged so high that the city ranked among the most air-polluted in the world. People had to quickly adapt by wearing protective masks, installing air purifiers indoors, or even avoiding outdoor activities altogether. However, many still do not fully understand the extent of harm these fine dust particles can cause to the body or who is most vulnerable to their effects.

The particulate matter we often talk about, such as PM2.5 and PM10, consists of tiny airborne particles generated by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction, and forest burning. PM2.5, in particular, is 25 times smaller than a human hair, allowing it to penetrate the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream. Once inside the body, these particles do not just stop at the nose or lungs—they can travel to other organs and pose serious health risks.

Who is most at risk?

Although PM2.5 dust affects everyone who breathes it in, certain groups are particularly vulnerable due to their fragile health conditions or pre-existing illnesses that make them more susceptible to its harmful effects. Let's take a look at who needs to be most cautious and take extra care.

- Young Children: Children's respiratory systems and lungs are still developing, making them particularly sensitive to dust exposure. Inhaling large amounts of PM2.5 can hinder lung growth, increase the risk of asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.
Basic precautions: Parents should avoid taking young children outdoors when pollution levels are high and install air purifiers at home to create a safer environment.

- Elderly Individuals: As people age, their immune systems weaken, and their lung and heart functions decline. PM2.5 exposure can exacerbate chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and strokes.
Basic precautions: Keep the indoor environment clean, avoid outdoor activities on days with high pollution, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain arise.

- Pregnant Women: Fine dust particles can enter the mother's bloodstream and affect fetal development, leading to low birth weight, premature birth, or delayed development. Exposure to polluted air during pregnancy also increases the risk of complications.
Basic precautions: Pregnant women should avoid high-pollution areas, wear N95 or KF94 masks when going outside, and use appropriate air purifiers at home.

- Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: People with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or allergies are more susceptible to PM2.5’s harmful effects. The dust can trigger inflammation in the body, worsening organ function and causing symptom flare-ups.
Basic precautions: Those with chronic illnesses should consult their doctors on how to manage their condition during high-pollution periods and always carry necessary medications.

- Outdoor Workers: Construction workers, taxi drivers, motorcycle couriers, and street vendors are regularly exposed to high levels of dust. Daily inhalation of PM2.5 can significantly increase the risk of developing long-term respiratory diseases.
Basic precautions: If working outdoors during high pollution levels, wearing an N95 mask properly and taking breaks in dust-free areas whenever possible is recommended.

Other Groups That Should Be Cautious:
- Outdoor Exercisers: Rapid breathing during exercise increases dust inhalation, exposing the body to higher amounts of pollutants.
- Smokers: The combination of smoking and air pollution further heightens the risk of lung and heart diseases.

Regardless of whether you belong to a high-risk group, protecting yourself from air pollution is essential for everyone. Good health starts with awareness and daily self-care, especially in times of severe pollution like this.

Story by Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer, LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP, Fitwel Ambassador, ActiveScore AP, TREES-A NC, RISC​