# A Study on Particulate Matter from an Area with High Traffic Intensity
## 1 Introduction  
The primary objective of this article is to present the findings pertaining to the levels of particulate matter (PM) in close proximity to a heavily trafficked road segment. This investigation entailed a comparative analysis of two distinct measurement methodologies, alongside an examination of the metallic chemical particles identified within the collected samples. Maintaining clean air is a crucial matter for every government worldwide, particularly for developed nations that prioritize implementing comprehensive approaches to mitigating air pollution, especially in densely populated urban regions. The negative impact of pollution and inferior air quality in cities can lead to a host of health issues, predominantly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. In accordance with a 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) report, a staggering 80% of premature deaths caused by heart attacks and severe heart diseases are linked to air pollution levels [1]. The detrimental effects of elevated air pollution on human health were first recognized at the start of the 20 th century following severe environmental pollution incidents. Notable examples include the Meuse Valley in Belgium (1930), London in Great Britain (1952), and Donora in the United States (1948). These events led to the observation of adverse health effects on individuals, ranging from headaches and vomiting to fatalities [2]. Internal combustion engines produce a variety of pollutants during the combustion process, including suspended particles of varying sizes (PM\({}_{1}\), PM\({}_{2.5}\), and PM\({}_{10}\)). These particles can result in bronchitis, asthma, and inflammation of the respiratory tract [3]. Gases also contribute to health issues like carbon oxides (CO and CO\({}_{2}\)) by diminishing the blood's capacity to transport oxygen [4] and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO\({}_{2}\)) which are responsible for respiratory diseases, particularly asthma [5]. Particle matter pollution is a long-known hazard to human health, and it continues to be to this day an important trigger of serious pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases [6],contributing to a great number of premature deaths per year, making it a leading cause of mortality worldwide [7]. This section will focus more on the respiratory effects of these particles. An important factor is the size of the particles, as this is directly linked to how much damage it causes to the tissues it manages to reach. It is widely known that the smaller the particle, the deeper it can penetrate the respiratory tract causing important inflammatory effects along with oxidative stress on the tissues it reaches [8]. The body's natural barriers can limit, to a certain degree, the intake of these particles, as the hair and mucus from the upper respiratory tract can trap and further eliminate larger particles from the body, whereas smaller particles can reach as far as the alveoli and even into the bloodstream [9]. When fine particles penetrate deeply into the lungs, they trigger reactions, including oxidative stress caused by excessive free radicals from the particles overpowering the body's antioxidant defenses. This accentuates inflammatory responses and harms the affected tissues [10]. PM\({}_{10}\) particles can be filtered by the nasal mucous layer and cilia, but longer exposure can lead to local inflammatory effects by irritating the nasal cavity which, in turn, can damage the protective barrier of the nose [11]. Several conditions can arise or become aggravated because of this, one example being allergic rhinitis [12]. The trachea possesses its own protective barrier, producing mucus, and lined with cilia that move to expel trapped particles, preventing them from advancing into the respiratory tract. The trachealis muscle also aids in particle expulsion through its contractions [13].