Protection against small particles and fine dust
A cubic meter of respiratory air may contain between 10 and 80 billion particles – depending on the weather and the local conditions involved. Where precisely the particles will be deposited when inhaled will depend on their size. Basically, a distinction is drawn between two particle size categories: larger than 2 micrometers (µm = a thousandth of a millimeter) and smaller than 2 micrometers.
Small particles: particles that are larger than approx. 2 µm will mostly be deposited in the respiratory passages. They may trigger allergic reactions and impair wellbeing. Allergy-sufferers, in particular, suffer from the small particles. Streaming eyes, dripping noses, shortness of breath or sneezing attacks reduce concentration levels and increases the risk of accidents. Sneezing at a speed of 60 miles an hour means you´re driving blind for30 m.
Fine dust: particles that are smaller than approx. 2 µm will predominantly be deposited in the lower parts of the respiratory passages and in the lungs. They are the ones most commonly encountered in the air. Particles of this size cannot all be retained by the mucous membranes in the nasal and pharyngeal cavities. Most of them are deposited in the lower respiratory passages and in the lungs. These respirable particles include pollutants like bacteria and fungal spores, industrial dusts, fine abraded particles and soot or diesel soot. This is particularly injurious to human health, because it may trigger infections in the lung, and also transports toxic substances. Diesel soot is regarded as a cause for diseases of the respiratory tract, cardiovascular complaints and asthma. A carcinogenic effect is also ascribed to it. micronAir offers applications providing particularly good protection against precisely these fine dusts. You will find more information on the subject of fine dust under www.umweltbundesamt.de
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