PARTICULATES Chemistry

PARTICULATES
Chemistry: Is it always good or can it damage our health?
Charlotte McAfee 11E TA2

At present in chemistry class we are looking at how people can live in comfort with chemistry. After having looked at information given and researched I reached the conclusion that it may be hard for people to live in comfort with chemistry as it does create many health hazards.

I decided to do research on an area known as PARTICULATES. Particulates are tiny particles in the air such as soot, dirt, dust, fumes and smoke that come from industry, cars and wood burning. Research shows that incomplete diesel burning results in 40% of our particulate mater in the UK.

House-dust mites are a big health problem when it comes to particulates. Some people take allergic reactions to the house-dust mites. The allergic symptoms are caused when people breathe in substances called allergens, which are found in the dust mites’ droppings. These allergens however, can be found in other things like cats, dogs, pollen and mould.
Particulates can cause many illnesses. These are acute chest illness, chronic bronchitis, asthma, eczema and rhinitis (runny nose)
In the UK alone, approximately two and a half million adults suffer from asthma and one in every seven children is affected too. The house-dust mite allergen is the most common trigger of this asthma.

Our homes are the main source of the house-dust mite so it looks a though we are going to have to do something to cut down the number of the mites breeding in our homes. There are many actions we could make to reduce the number of living house-dust mites. Here are just a few:

1. Reduce dampness in the home: - house-dust mites like to live in warm and damp homes. Dampness can also lead to mould so we should open windows in rooms, avoid drying clothing indoors, open windows after cooking or bathing and leave all beds open to air before remaking them.

2. We should prevent the build up of dust by cleaning all areas, which may gather dust easily. Vacuum all carpets and soft furnishings regularly to remove any dust mites.

3. Wash all fabrics at a minimum of 60 degrees where it is possible. This will ensure that all house-dust mites living in the fabrics will be killed. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least once every two weeks.

If we continuously carry out these steps we will reduce the number of house-dust mites greatly and we will through time notice the less harmful effects on our health.