Health Effects of Total and Respirable Suspended Particulates

The health consequences of atmospheric suspended particulates depend on their ability to penetrate and deposit in the respiratory system. The respirable suspended particulates (RSP), i.e., particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, which are able to reach and deposit deep in the lung, are most likely to be responsible for adverse health effects. The observed human health effects of RSP include breathing and respiratory symptoms (such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing), aggravation of existing respiratory disease and damage to lung tissues. Groups that appear to be most sensitive to the effects of RSP include individuals with chronic lung and heart disease, individuals with influenza, asthma, elderly people and children.