NAVIGATION   Home   News   About Us   Contact Us   TVA Findings (MSDS)      > Bottom Ash      > Fly Ash   Our Stories   Is Coal Clean ?   Health Hazards   Current Health Impacts   Videos   Property Sales   Photographs	Posted On 04-07-2009 :: This is an article on Particle Pollution: Particle Pollution and Your Health Particle pollution is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquids droplets suspended in air. It is called particulate matter. The size of the particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. Small particles of concern include 'fine particles' which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less; and 'corse particles' which have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are considered at greater risk from particles than other people, especially when they are physically active. Exercise and physical activiey cause people to breathe faster and more deeply and to take more particles into their lungs. How Can Particles Affect Your Health? Long-term exposures, such as those experienced by people living for many years in areas with high particle levels, have been associated with problems such as reduced lung function and the development of chronic bronchitis and even and even premature death. Short-term exposures, to particles (hours or days) can aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people with heart disease, short-term exposures have been linded to heart attacks and arrhythmias. Symptoms of Particle Exposure Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; shortness of breath; wheezing; unusual fatigue; and chest pain.	LINKS TCASN Blog Bucket Brigade Kentucky Sierra Club on TVA Kingston MSNBC Testimony WSMV Testimony Testimony Day 2 Nashville House Committee Meeting Story by Carlan Tapp LIFE ON SWAN POND AFTER TVA UNITED MOUNTAIN DEFENSE Evyns Disaster