English 317 Technical Definition and Description Demaray

Memorandum To: Professor Karen Thompson

From: Amaia Demaray

Date: 4 October, 2015

Subject: Technical Definition and Description

This memo is to define and describe a term for the public to understand and is related to my field of study. I chose to write about particulate matter 2.5 and the health complications that can ensure if exposed to in concentrated amounts.

Audience and Purpose:

The specific audience that I chose is the public who are exposed to smoke during an active fire season. Young children, elderly, and people with lung conditions are the most susceptible to particulate matter 2.5 and should be aware of the side effects. Most of the public has little to no knowledge of what element in the smoke that causes the side effects that many experience. The main purpose of this explanation to inform the public on the process that stimulates the negative side effects that are often experienced.

Placement:

After the wildfire season that the Pacific Northwest saw this past summer, the placement would be a news website or a workplace document that could serve as a public service announcement. This document also contains preventative measures that the public can use to reduce smoke exposure. The audience will have little to no knowledge of particulate matter 2.5 so the document will contain what it is, how it effects the lungs, and preventative measures that can be taken.

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English 317 Technical Definition and Description Demaray

Technical Definition: What is Particulate Matter 2.5?Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), are small particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in size1. To give a visual, they are 25,000 microns per inch, so they are far from visible to the naked eye. Figure 1 shows the size of PM 2.5 relative to a piece of human hair. PM 2.5 are the result of the combustion process that occurs in wildfires and campfires1. Due to their size, they can travel hundreds of miles and the path they travel is largely influenced by wind patterns2. In addition, PM 2.5 can be suspended in the air for weeks at a time so they can be present when all other signs are gone2.

Health Issues

Particulate matter is a large contributing factor to the haze that occurs during the wildfire season. PM 2.5 can get into the oxygen absorbing parts of the lungs and cause health problems such as decreased lung function, irritation of the airways, coughing, and difficulty breathing2. They are the smallest particle that is measured for health reasons and can travel the furthest into the lungs as demonstrated in Figure 2. Conditions that PM 2.5 aggravate the most include, but are not limited to: asthma, lung disease, and heart disease1.

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Figure 2 Particulate Matter Spread Throughout the Lungs

Figure 1 Illustration of the relative size of PM2.5 Figure 1 Illustration of the relative size of PM2.5 Figure 1 Illustration of the relative size of PM2.5 Figure 1 Illustration of the relative size of PM2.5

Figure 2 Particulate Matter Spread Throughout the LungsFigure 2 Particulate Matter Spread Throughout the LungsFigure 2 Particulate Matter Spread Throughout the Lungs

English 317 Technical Definition and Description Demaray

Technical Description: How Particulate Matter 2.5 Affects The Lungs and How to Avoid It

Particulate Matter 2.5 enters the lungs during inhalation. Typically, when foreign objects enter the respiratory system, they are trapped in the mucous membrane and are moved out of the airway through the movement of cilia. Cilia are small hairs that move like the legs of a centipede. The constant movement flushes the particle filled mucous out and the process is often aided by coughing. When PM 2.5 is in high enough concentrations, some of it fails to be trapped by the mucous. Instead, the particles travel deeper into the respiratory tract and

become trapped into the alveolar region of the lungs. This is significant because this is the site where oxygen moves into the blood stream and carbon dioxide moves out and is exhaled through the lungs. This is where “breathing” takes place as illustrated in Figure 3. Alveoli are not designed to get rid of particles and in extreme cases the particles can lead to lung disease or heart disease if the particles are water soluble2. This is why people with health conditions need to take extreme caution when the air quality is bad.

Preventative Measures

There are many avenues to be proactive about lung health. The following are some of easier way to mitigate the exposure of PM 2.5 as stated by the CDC.

1. Look up air quality reports in the local area. The air quality index is measured daily and is available for the public3, 4.

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Figure 3 Illustration of the Gas Exchange that Occurs in the Alveoli

Figure 4 Air Quality Index Chart and What Each Level Means

Figure 3 Illustration of the Gas Exchange that Occurs in the AlveoliFigure 3 Illustration of the Gas Exchange that Occurs in the AlveoliFigure 3 Illustration of the Gas Exchange that Occurs in the Alveoli

Figure 4 Air Quality Index Chart and What Each Level Means

Figure 4 Air Quality Index Chart and What Each Level Means

Figure 4 Air Quality Index Chart and What Each Level Means

English 317 Technical Definition and Description Demaray

2. Keep indoor air quality as clean as possible. If an air conditioner is present, keep it running as it will help filter the air3.

3. Avoid outdoor activities. Limit time spent outdoors and DO NOT exercise as the heavier breathing will increase the effects of smoke3.

4. If one feels the need to wear a mask, make sure it is not a comfort mask. Use only masks rated as N95 or better. These are the only masks that will reduce the amount of PM 2.5 that is inhaled3.

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English 317 Technical Definition and Description Demaray

Citation1 “Exposure to Smoke from Fires”. Department of Health. New York State. Web. 4 Oct 2015.

2 “What is Particulate Matter”. Dylos Corporation – Air Quality Monitoring Innovation. Web. 4 Oct 2015.

3 “Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke”. CDC Features. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 4 October 2015.

4 “Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics”. Air Quality Index. Air Now. Web. 4 Oct 2015.

Pictures

Insights Health Associates https://insightshealthassociates.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/singapore-haze-how-dangerous-is-pm-2-5/

Clean Heat http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

Air Now http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

PreMedHQ https://www.premedhq.com/alveolar-gas-exchange

Video Link : https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzBDNQ1lj-E&feature=youtu.be

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