Respirable Suspended Particulates

The category of air pollutants called Respirable Suspended Particulates or also known as (RSP) includes pathogens, viruses, dust mites feaces, molds spores,  liquids, hydrocarbons, diesel soots, dusts, acids from aerosols and smoke particles that are smaller than 10 microns in diameter. RSP 10 Microns size limit has led to the abbreviation of respirable particulate matter (PM10).

Our Nose filtration system can filter out the larger particulates, but 10 Microns (PM10) down to 2.5 Microns (PM2.5) particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. The smaller the particle, the further down it can penetrate into our lungs. As it accumulates, the more likely it can cause us, the host, respiratory problems ranging from allergic rhinitis such as wheezing, sniffling, nose and throat irritation, itchy eyes to bronchial asthmatic such as bronchitis and lung damage.

Respirable suspended particulates comes in three stages, as written in previous post: Liquid State, airborne state and solid state. The hardest to remove is no other than airborne state allowing easier access to become respirable particulates at PM10. This is why it is very important to remove as much of the settled particulates during its solid state. Central vacuum piping system can transport RSP  to a different location far from the area that is going through the cleaning process.

Lurking Pollutants

The size of most airborne pollutants is measured in microns (one-millionth of a meter). Common and harmful airborne particles range in size from 2.4 microns to .3 microns. Below are some common household particles and their width:

Human Hair: 60-100 Microns
Dust Mites: 125 Microns
Dust Mite Feces: 10-24 Microns
Pollen: 10-40 Microns
Mold Spores: 2-10 Microns

The suction strength of mobile vacuum cleaner will only filter particles from 30-50 microns in size. RSP at PM10 or below such as  dust mite feces, pollen, and mold spores are not being effectively removed. Animal dander is especially difficult to remove, with particles about 2.5 microns in size that can stay airborne for hours.

Dust mites produces droppings  that can go up to  200 times its own body weight in fecal material in a single lifetime (One month).  According to American Family Physician, sensitivity to dust mite waste is present in 10% of the population in general and 90% of asthmatic patients. It is even worse in tropical countries where it has a much more favorable conditions due to the high humidity and warm temperatures.

Invisible particles in the air can be harmful…. it is better to prevent than to cure!