Johnson County, Indiana
Health Department
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Johnson County, Indiana Health Department
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fine Particles Microscopic pieces of matter suspended in the air. The combustion of fossil fuels from power plants, cars, trucks and factories is the major source of fine particles in the atmosphere. The particles are also emitted from wood burning stoves, agricultural burning, and in the exhaust of diesel trucks, buses and heavy equipment. Prevailing winds can carry fine particles hundreds of miles from the source of the pollution.
Why does the size of the particle matter? Fine particles are dangerous because they are so small that they can be drawn deeply into the lungs and become embedded in the lung tissue. When this happens it is almost impossible to expel these particles from the lungs by exhaling, which can cause irritation. Some particles are so fine that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Can fine particles affect my health? Possibly. People who are physically active outdoors; people with heart or lung disease; older adults and children have the greatest risk of health effects from fine particles. What are the symptoms of exposure to fine particles? One or more of these symptoms may develop in people who are generally healthy: § Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat § Coughing § Increased phlegm § Chest tightness § Shortness of breath
People with lung disease may experience one or more of these symptoms: § Aggravated asthma § Acute bronchitis § Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
People with heart disease may experience one or more of these symptoms: § Chest pain § Chest tightness § Palpitations § Shortness of breath § Unusual fatigue § Heart arrhythmias
What should I do if I have symptoms? If you experience any of the minor symptoms listed above such as eye irritation or coughing and you are outside, go indoors immediately. Minor symptoms should not worsen once you are indoors. If you experience any of the more serious health symptoms such as an asthma attack or chest tightness, it is advisable to contact your health care provider immediately for further assistance. It is a way of informing the public, through the media, that on a particular day the air quality is unhealthy. An air quality alert will provide information related to specific groups, especially the sensitive groups of the population that could be affected by elevated levels of pollution. The AQI, which stands for Air Quality Index, is a tool that state and local agencies use to convey information to the public regarding the levels of pollutants in the air and the possible health consequences of that level. The AQI is used to report levels of ground-level ozone and fine particles but can also be used to report levels of other common air pollutants. Generally, sensitive groups include the following: § anyone with existing heart or lung disease § older adults § children § outdoor workers Why are children considered a “sensitive group”? Children are a part of the “sensitive” group for several reasons: § Their lungs are still developing; § They spend more time at high activity levels; § They are more likely to have asthma or other respiratory diseases which can be aggravated by high particle levels; and § Their rate of respiration (breathing) is much more rapid than adults. What does “limit my exposure” mean? Scientific studies have not determined a specific amount of time in which you must be exposed to fine particles to feel any health effects. But your chances of being affected by high particle levels increases with the more time you spend outdoors and the more strenuous the activity you engage in while outdoors. Therefore, during a fine particle alert, the less time you spend outdoors and the less strenuous your activity while outdoors decreases your chances of being affected by fine particle pollution. Some suggestions of how to limit your exposure include: · Substituting any strenuous activity with one that involves less exertion; for example, walking instead of jogging; · Avoiding outdoor activities of any kind during the day when particle levels are the highest; · Avoiding exercising near congested or busy roadways where fine particle levels tend to be higher; and · Consider staying indoors to exercise.
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Contact InformationOffice hours: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Telephone (317) 346-4365 Fax (317) 736-5264 86 West Court St. Franklin, IN 46131 For after - hour emergencies, dial 911 & explain that you have a Public Health emergency. If you are calling out of the local calling area, dial (317) 736-5155 for after - hour emergencies. Postal Address 86 W Court St., Franklin, IN 46131
Electronic mail
cbigelow@co.johnson.in.us
Information included in this website is
subject to change without notice.
Send mail to
eschultz@co.johnson.in.us
with questions or comments about this web site.
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