Particulate Matter and Bronchial Asthma / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

The health impacts of particulate matter (PM) are of global concern, but the implications of the development and exacerbation of bronchial asthma are subject to debate. PM is generated by several sources including vehicle exhaust fumes, the flaring of hydrocarbons at refineries, coal burning at power plants, and thermal treatment of hazardous waste. Recently, the health effects of PM have been documented with increasing frequency due to the greater release of PM from countries such as China. PM is frequently categorized according to mean aerodynamic diameter, with particles ranging in size from coarse (2.5-10 microm in diameter) to fine (< 2.5 microm) to ultrafine (< 0.1 microm). Smaller PM particles are more likely to cause respiratory toxicity and dysfunction due to their propensity to be deposited deep within the lower airways and alveoli. This article briefly reviews the health consequences of PM, with a particular focus on asthma and respiratory disease.