# A Study on Particulate Matter from an Area with High Traffic Intensity
## 1 Introduction
Chronic exposure, or continuous and repeated exposure to coarse particles, leads to local inflammation of the trachea, thus disrupting its protective barrier causing a number of harmful effects and conditions like acute and chronic laryngitis [14]. Although it is still unclear if long-term exposure (months and years) to PM\({}_{10}\) particles can lead to laryngeal cancer, several articles have concluded that this risk is greater when it comes to fine particles (PM\({}_{2.5}\)) rather that coarse particle (PM\({}_{10}\)) [15]. Other organs that are directly affected by PM\({}_{10}\) particles are the eyes, where exposure initiates several inflammatory responses, causing dry-eye-like symptoms [16]; long-term exposure can lead to a chronic condition where the eyes do not produce enough lubrication, thus increasing the risk of infection and damage to the surface of the eyes, which in extreme cases can even lead to vision loss [17]. Fine particulate matter (PM\({}_{2.5}\)) bypasses initial protective barriers and enters the lower respiratory tract. This triggers oxidative stress upon contact with lung tissues, generating an excess of free radicals that overwhelms the body's antioxidants. Consequently, lung cells, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and DNA repair are damaged, elevating the risk of a severe outcome: lung cancer [18]. The lung cells suffer damage through an inflammatory response triggered by particle contact. Maintaining a balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors is crucial for normal lung function. Chronic exposure to these particles leads to persistent and excessive inflammation, disrupting lung homeostasis and causing uncontrolled tissue damage [19]. Uncontrolled chronic lung inflammation induces the production of growth factors, enzymes, and ECM factors, leading to irreversible scarring tissue, pulmonary fibrosis, and an elevated risk of lung cancer [20]. As several studies show, acute inflammation of the lungs due to the inhalation of PM\({}_{2.5}\) particles can exacerbate symptoms of preexisting conditions such as asthma, increasing the number of hospital admissions and deaths due to acute asthmatic episodes [21]. Although PM\({}_{2.5}\) can also be absorbed into the blood stream, ultrafine PM\({}_{1}\) particles are the most harmful, as they have a greater chance of breaking the blood barrier because of their smaller size. After reaching the alveoli, a majority of them pass the cell membrane, entering the blood stream and spreading to other organs of the body, causing further damage [22]. Once fine particulate matter breaches the blood-brain barrier, it becomes challenging to eliminate, resulting in neuroinflammation and cerebral dysfunction. Recent studies have linked particulate matter pollution to neurological conditions such as cognitive decline and dementia [23]. Ultrafine particles entering the bloodstream trigger vascular inflammation, releasing excessive inflammatory factors affecting blood coagulation and vessel integrity. Prolonged exposure to these particles raises the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a significant contributor to global cardiovascular mortality [24]. Several studies showed that long-term (months and years) exposure is also linked to an increased risk for irregular heart rate, hypertension, heart failure, and even stroke [25]. All of the above represent serious effects on human health and well-being. That is why it is of extreme importance to find ways to reduce air pollution, especially particulate matter pollution, because it represents one of the most harmful existing elements that greatly impacts human health worldwide. Typically, traditional air quality measuring devices are utilized by governments and state institutions, which are placed at various locations throughout urban and peri-urban regions. These devices are located in stationary buildings and necessitate substantial energy consumption and frequent maintenance to function.