May 9, 2023
Project AeroSolfd aims to reduce traffic-related fine dust and ultrafine particles (UFP). But what are these particles and why is it so urgent that we tackle them? Due to their size, there are different categories of particles and depending on how big they are, they can penetrate the human body to different depths causing serious harm to our health.
PM size
PM stands for particulate matter and refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that can be found in the air. PM between 10 and 2.5 microns in diameter can enter the lungs/bronchia, even their deepest regions. For better understanding, 2.5 micrometres are 30 times smaller than a single human hair which is between 50 and 70 microns in diameter. Particles even smaller are called ultrafine particles (shown as grey dots in the illustration), which are 0.1 microns in diameter. Not only are they the smallest, but also poses the greatest danger. Due to their tiny size they can even enter the blood and thus spread throughout the body causing serious harm to our health.
PM body penetration depths
Particles, no matter the size, can harm our health. It is crucial that we tackle this issue so that everyone can breathe clean air. AreoSolfd is on a fast track developing three solutions to decrease transport-related particles.
Sources: Particle Pollution | American Lung Association, Particulate Matter (PM) Basics | US EPA