{
  "id": 16861639,
  "title": "Particle pollution and health risks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/particle-pollution-and-health-risks",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-28T06:45:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/particle-pollution-and-health-risks-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThere 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.\n\nChemical 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nCertain 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.",
  "summary": "Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM), is a general term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. It comes in many sizes and shapes and can contain a variety of components, including acids such as sulfuric acid; inorganic compounds such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and sodium … The post Particle pollution and health risks appeared…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}