Small particles with a big effect

Breathing not only brings vital oxygen into the body: nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter endanger the lungs, heart and brain.

by CLAUDIA EBERHARD-METZGER

An adult breathes in and out at least 10,000 liters of air every day, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Nothing in the body works without this vital exchange of gases. However, the air we breathe not only contains the natural components oxygen (about 21 percent) and nitrogen (about 78 percent), but also pollutants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and numerous suspended particles of different origin and size.

Overall, bring in Germany per year

Small particles with a big effect
Read more with bdw+

now Try 1 month FREE and access
on all articles of the magazine
image of science received!

secure offer

Are you already a bdw+ subscriber? Sign up here"

Are you already a subscriber to the bdw print magazine? Upgrade here»

Recent Articles

Related Stories