Took this extract a while ago from a site on pollution, but have lost the link. Concerned the emission of ammonia from poultry farms.
"addition to this, ammonia can have a negative impact on the environment by contributing to the formation of an air pollutant known as particulate matter (PM). Particulate matter refers to very small(0.005-100 µm in diameter) airborne solid particles or liquid droplets that are also known as soot. One specific form of particulate matter, PM2.5, refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less. Indirect formation of PM2.5 can occur when ammonia reacts with nitrogen and sulfur oxides (NOX and SOX) in the atmosphere to form fine particles. This form of PM is of particular concern because the small size of the particles allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can contribute to respiratory disease and stress the cardiac and immune systems. When animals or human breathe air containing particulate matter,fine particles (PM2.5) penetrate deeper into the lungs than coarse particles (2.5 to 10µm diameter) and can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and lung damage (EPA, 2006). In addition, larger particulates contribute to the formation of haze and associated reductions in visibility by the formation of haze." Not good for us with COPD.
Now on the look out for a good World War II gas mask. Any offers? Take care all.