Ghana: Particle Pollution and Health Risks

Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. This pollution can be found both indoors and outdoors and originates from various sources, including construction sites, unpaved roads, smokestacks, and fires, as well as combustion processes and natural events like wildfires.

There are two primary particle size categories: coarse particles (PM10-2.5), which have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometres, and fine particles (PM2.5), which are 2.5 micrometres or smaller. The latter group also includes ultrafine particles, which have diameters less than 0.1 micrometres.

Chemical reactions in the atmosphere create fine and ultrafine particles, often resulting from human activities such as fuel combustion and natural sources like wildfires. While some particles are visible to the naked eye, others are too small to be seen without a microscope.

The health impacts of particle pollution vary depending on particle size. Coarse particles can be coughed or sneezed out by the body, while smaller fine and ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This can lead to adverse health effects, including respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, neurological diseases, and cancers. The risks increase with higher exposure levels.

Certain groups, such as those living near emission sources, pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to particle pollution.