Which statement about particulate matter (PM) is true?

Which statement about particulate matter (PM) is true?

• A. PM Causes No Health Effects.
• B. PM Is Solely a Greenhouse Gas.
• C. PM Is Linked to Heart and Lung Disease.
• D. PM Only Comes from Natural Sources.

Answer: (C)

Particulate matter are tiny airborne particles that we can inhale. Because these particles are so small, especially PM2.5, they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart and blood vessel problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. That makes the statement about PM being linked to heart and lung disease true. PM is not a greenhouse gas, and it does not come exclusively from natural sources. It comes from both natural sources (like dust and wildfires) and human activities (such as burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions). This combination explains why PM is a major air-quality and public-health concern.

Particulate matter are tiny airborne particles that we can inhale. Because these particles are so small, especially PM2.5, they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart and blood vessel problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. That makes the statement about PM being linked to heart and lung disease true.

PM is not a greenhouse gas, and it does not come exclusively from natural sources. It comes from both natural sources (like dust and wildfires) and human activities (such as burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions). This combination explains why PM is a major air-quality and public-health concern.