| I bet no one would believe me if I told them | | | | There shape and color vary, some particles |
| there were unidentified flying objects in their | | | | looking like something from a horror movie while |
| homes. So I am here to tell you that there are, | | | | others have rugged or smooth edges Some of |
| millions of tiny unseen microscopic particles (so if | | | | the particles that can contribute to indoor air |
| you cannot see them you cannot identify them!) | | | | pollution include mineral particles, soot, animal |
| that we breathe into our lungs daily and contribute | | | | dander, insect parts and waste, fiberglass, |
| to indoor air pollution. | | | | combustion particles, mold, bacteria. |
| How we behave in our homes, the materials we | | | | The problem with small particles is their ability to |
| put in them and the ability for outdoor air to | | | | enter deep into the respiratory system and |
| infiltrate, all contribute particles into the air and | | | | deposit in the lungs. The particles can accumulate |
| contribute to indoor air pollution. The particles vary | | | | in important areas like the alveoli (where oxygen |
| in size, shape and color and originate from many | | | | and carbon dioxide are exchanged that allows us |
| different places. | | | | to breathe) and cause problems like decreased |
| The particles we are most interested in and | | | | lung function, COPD and asthma. Additionally, the |
| concerned about are particles in the size range of | | | | particles can be absorbed into the bloodstream |
| 0.3 microns to 10 microns. To give you an idea of | | | | and deposit in and around the heart causing |
| how small a micron is, it is 25,000 times smaller | | | | increases in blood pressure, heart rate and cause |
| than an inch or 50 times smaller than the width of | | | | heart disease. |
| a human hair. | | | | |