What is particulate matter (PM)?
PM pollution is tiny pieces of soot from fossil fuel engines, boilers, and furnaces as well as small flecks of dust or sand.
PM particles are so tiny they can go deep into your lungs and even into your blood stream and affect every organ in your body. We often can’t see PM pollution. That’s why we need air monitors to tell us what we’re breathing.
Is there a safe level for PM?
Despite decades of studies, scientists can’t find any level of exposure to PM that isn’t capable of producing some health harm. Even levels of PM below what the EPA says are “safe” have been found to cause harm.
The Documented Dangers of Particulate Matter Air Pollution
“Air pollution can harm acutely, as well as chronically, potentially affecting every organ in the body,” conclude the scientists from the Forum of International Respiratory Societies in the two review papers, published in the journal Chest.
“Ultrafine particles pass through the [lungs], are readily picked up by cells, and carried via the bloodstream to expose virtually all cells in the body.”
Prof Dean Schraufnagel, at the University of Illinois at Chicago and who led the reviews, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if almost every organ was affected. If something is missing it is probably because there was no research yet.”
Specific Areas of Concern
Heart & Lungs
Studies show that PM exposure greatly increases heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD.
The larger the exposure, the more damage is done.
Brain
Exposure to PM pollution has been shown to decrease IQ in chilldren,
and increases the chances of a child
being born with Autism.
PM has been linked to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease in Adults. Like lead, PM has been linked to increased anti-social behavior and criminal behavior.
Reproductive
PM pollution is linked to low-birth weight, pregnancy loss, miscarriages, increased neo-natal care for newborns, and birth defects.
Sources of Joppa's PM Pollution
TAMKO Asphalt Shingle Factory
In 2019, TAMKO reported releasing 34.5 tons of PM pollution. It was ranked as the 11th largest air polluter in Dallas County.
Austin Asphalt Batch Plant
Austin isn’t required to track its PM pollution but could be releasing anywhere from 10 to 25 tons of PM per year.
Union Pacific Miller Yard
Dust from raw materials piles and diesel fumes & dust from trucks.
Traffic from I-45, 175 on Loop 12
Every car is like a small smokestack. The more cars, the more PM.
Union Pacific Miller Yard
Dust from raw materials piles and diesel fumes & dust from trucks.
CNT Concrete Batch Plant
Concrete batch plants release 5-10 tons of PM a year and add more diesel fumes and dust.
Union Pacific Locomotives
Diesel locomotives emit very toxic PM.
Studies show residents living next to railroad tracks are exposed to more PM pollution.
