What is the Origin of Indoor Particulate Matter?

The term is a core metric in air quality science and environmental epidemiology, distinguishing between different sizes of airborne pollution. Its relevance in hormonal health stems from the understanding that chronic systemic inflammation is a major driver of endocrine imbalance, particularly cortisol and thyroid axis dysregulation. This measure provides an objective index of the physical quality of the immediate environment.

What is the Mechanism of Indoor Particulate Matter?

Upon inhalation, fine and ultrafine particulate matter induces oxidative stress and local inflammation in the lungs, leading to the systemic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These circulating inflammatory mediators can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting neurotransmitter balance and HPA axis regulation. The chronic inflammatory state then interferes with hormone receptor sensitivity and can accelerate the metabolic breakdown of endogenous hormones.

Indoor Particulate Matter ∞ Area

Indoor Particulate Matter

Meaning

This refers to the microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the indoor air, categorized by size (e.g., PM2.5, PM10), which can originate from combustion sources, cooking, cleaning, and outdoor infiltration. These ultrafine particles are capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory tract and even the bloodstream. Elevated levels of indoor particulate matter trigger systemic inflammatory responses and are linked to cardiovascular and neuroendocrine dysfunction.