Exposure to PM has been associated with numerous health effects, including:
Respiratory Diseases: PM exposure can exacerbate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiovascular Diseases: Long-term exposure to PM can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Adverse Birth Outcomes: Pregnant women exposed to high levels of PM are at higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in infants. Cancer: PM, especially PM2.5, has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating its potential to cause cancer. Mortality: Numerous studies have shown a direct link between PM exposure and increased mortality rates.
