Health Effects of Inhalable Particles Exposure can affect both your lungs and your heart. Many studies nowadays link the size of particles to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles (less than 10 micrometers in diameter) can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, children and older adults may be at greater risk from PM exposure. It is connected with variety of health problems, also eye, nose and throat irritation. Coronary and respiratory disease symptoms. Premature death in people with heart or lung disease.