Beijing PM2.5 Air Pollution particles lodged in face mask material, under an electron microscope, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Liu Yong, photo2
Fool, it does not take, to believe that the terrible air pollution in Beijing and Northern China, is not fog, and is hazardous to your health. These images are taken with an electron microscope proves the point.
Liu Yong (刘勇), doctoral student from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology (北京化工大学) took these photos of face mask material after about 8 hours of use. The pollution particles lodged into the face mask material was analyzed for hazardous materials. Found were calcium carbonate (碳酸钙), iron oxide (氧化铁), sulfate (硫酸盐)。 The masks are MaiXingRen 霾星人 brand, though the article does not specifically state this.
These pollution particles, smaller than 2.5 microns or even a human hair, are inhaled, get stuck in the lungs and can not be expelled. The danger is that the toxins in the pollution will then leech into the blood stream and travel to the brain and other organs.
No matter how you look at this, for the young or elderly, or anyone in between, this is not good for your long-term health. Even with air purifiers, unless you are in a negative pressure room with industrial equipment, there will be no escape from their wrath. The best thing to do is to temporarily travel to somewhere else.
It makes me sad that my relatives have to endure this level of pollution for a prolonged time. They have not the choice to move elsewhere.
Beijing PM2.5 Air Pollution particles lodged in face mask material, under an electron microscope, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Liu Yong, photo1
Beijing PM2.5 Air Pollution particles lodged in face mask material, under an electron microscope, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Liu Yong, photo2
Beijing PM2.5 Air Pollution particles lodged in face mask material, under an electron microscope, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Liu Yong, photo3
Beijing PM2.5 Air Pollution particles lodged in face mask material, under an electron microscope, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Liu Yong, photo4
