How to Deal with Poor Fine Dust Levels - Imiseok Dermatology

The reason ultrafine dust threatens health is, quite literally, that it is so small that it can pass through all of the body’s filtration systems without being filtered out. Fine dust measuring 5 micrometers or less is generally not filtered by the bronchi or nose and instead travels down to the lower lungs, causing various diseases such as bronchitis, colds, asthma, other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and eye diseases. For this reason, extra caution is required for older adults, young children, and people with respiratory conditions. Let’s take a look at ways to protect your health from fine dust.

Why Fine Dust Is Dangerous

Fine dust is an airborne suspended particulate matter with a variety of complex components, and most of it comes from vehicle exhaust and dust generated during road travel. Exposure to fine dust is known to be associated with the onset of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and to increase mortality. In particular, small dust particles 10 micrometers or smaller are a major threat because they can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter and larger than 2.5 micrometers are called fine dust and are mainly generated along roadsides or in industrial complexes. Particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller are called ultrafine dust and are produced by cigarette smoke or fuel combustion. The composition of the particles plays an important role in their toxicity to the human body, and they are mainly made up of combustion particles such as carbon, organic hydrocarbons, nitrates, sulfates, and toxic metals. Because they are extremely small, they can pass through the nose and airways to reach the alveoli deep in the lungs, and the smaller they are, the more likely they are to pass directly through the alveoli and enter systemic circulation through the blood.

Symptoms That Can Occur Due to Fine Dust

In cases of acute exposure, irritation of the airways can cause coughing and shortness of breath, worsen asthma, and trigger arrhythmia. In cases of chronic exposure, lung function may decline, chronic bronchitis may increase, and mortality may rise. In particular, people with heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women are more affected by exposure to fine dust, and even healthy adults may temporarily experience these symptoms when exposed to high concentrations.

These symptoms mainly occur because fine dust triggers inflammatory responses in the bronchioles. It also causes respiratory infections by interfering with the body’s defense mechanisms that inactivate or remove bacteria from the airways and lungs. The development of cardiovascular disease due to fine dust has been reported to be related to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, disruption of the autonomic nervous system, and changes in blood clotting ability.

How to Protect Your Health from Fine Dust

1. Avoid going outside, and if you do go out, be sure to wear a mask.

Check the amount of fine dust in the air by regularly watching weather forecasts or downloading a fine dust app on your smartphone. When a fine dust advisory is issued, avoid going outside, and if you must go out, be sure to wear a mask designed to protect against fine dust and yellow dust. It is also important to drink water frequently to help wash fine dust out of the body and to wash your hands and feet thoroughly after returning home.

2. Pay attention to storing and washing clothes after going out.

After coming home, shake your clothes well before bringing them inside. When washing, using fabric softener to prevent static electricity on clothes and stop dust from sticking in advance is one method. After washing, drying clothes indoors whenever possible is also a good way to prevent fine dust from sticking to them.

3. Clean indoor spaces thoroughly.

When cleaning the house, mopping thoroughly throughout the home and spraying water into the indoor air with a sprayer, then wiping away the moisture, can be very effective for removing fine dust.

4. Eat foods that are good for fine dust exposure more often.

Foods that are considered beneficial include various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are high in fiber and are known to help the body eliminate fine dust. Seaweed is said to help remove heavy metals, and green tea and ginger help with coughing and phlegm. Pork has a high fat content, so it is not helpful for removing dust because fat-soluble substances may instead be absorbed into the body.

*When fine dust is severe, it is important to avoid going outside as much as possible. If you must go out, wear a mask for yellow dust prevention, and after returning home, be sure to wash your face, hands, and feet thoroughly. Following these daily habits more carefully is important.