The Dangers of Air Pollution
Cardiovascular disease remains the
leading killer in most developed countries.
It will soon achieve the dubious distinction
of being the leading killer in all
countries. A new risk factor for its
development has recently been added - air
pollution. Bob Hope once said, “ I don’t
like all this fresh air. I’m from Los
Angeles. I don’t trust any air I can’t see.”
Unfortunately, air will soon be visible in
most parts of the world as pollution is on
the rise.
In a recent study published in the New
England Journal of Medicine (February 2007),
researchers found that each 10-unit increase
in air levels of fine particulate matter
increased the risk of death from
cardiovascular disease by 76% . This major
study monitored 65,893 postmenopausal women
living in 36 cities for an average of six
years. They had no history of heart disease
or stroke at the start of the study. The
Journal of the American Medical Association,
reported in its March 8, 2006, issue, that
air pollution was linked to an increase in
hospitalizations from heart failure. For
every 10 units increase in fine-particulate
matter in the air, heart failure
hospitalizations increased by 1.28% in
people over the age of 65. Several
researchers had previously reported in
leading medical journals that short term
increases in air pollution was linked to
increased episodes of heart attacks,
irregular heart rhythms, sudden death and
heart failure.
The common pollutants in the air are
ozone, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, fine particulate
matter, sulphur dioxide and lead. Most of
these pollutants cause irritation to the
bronchial tubes and lungs. They have also
been linked to many cancers. Carbon monoxide
can also reduce the ability of blood to
bring oxygen to body cells and tissues. Lead
can cause nervous system damage, especially
in the young. Small particulate matter is a
pollutant that is seen in dust, smoke and
soot. It is usually generated by the burning
of wood, diesel and other fuels; industrial
plants; agriculture (plowing and burning )
and vehicular traffic on unpaved roads. The
Environmental Protection Agency of USA
defines fine particles as being 2.5
micrometers or smaller. Because of their
small size, they are able to penetrate
deeper into the lungs. Cardiovascular
disease seems to be linked to this deadly
pollutant.
The exact mechanism by which these small
particles cause cardiovascular damage is not
clear, but inflammation appears to be the
main culprit. Another mechanism that is a
prime suspect is interference with the
autonomic nervous system. This segment of
the peripheral nervous system usually
functions in an involuntary, reflexive
manner, controlling the organs of our body,
such as the stomach and intestines, but more
importantly, the heart and the blood
vessels. Cellular changes, such as
alterations in ion channel function, cell
proliferation, signal transduction pathways,
and cell signaling, may also play a role.
Naturalist John Muir had advised, “Take a
course in good water and air; and in the
eternal youth of Nature you may renew your
own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall
you.” Avoid pollution and you may stay
healthy. Avoid small particulate matter, and
you may prevent cardiovascular disease. If
you spend a lot of time driving, especially
during rush hour or in dusty conditions,
keep your windows closed. And make sure that
you replace the car cabin air filter at
least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000
miles. Avoid going out on days when the air
pollution is high. In the last several
years, a growing body of scientific evidence
has indicated that the air within our homes
and office buildings can often be more
seriously polluted than the outdoor air.
Research indicates that people spend
approximately 90 percent of their time
indoors. You can reduce indoor air pollution
by regularly ventilating your house. Buy a
vacuum cleaner that is fitted with a HEPA
filter. HEPA stands for "High Efficiency
Particle Arrestor", a filter that can
capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3
microns. Such filtration will effectively
capture most common household small
particles and allergens, like dust, mold
spores, pet dander and tobacco smoke. Also
invest in air cleaners. Some air cleaners
may use HEPA technology while others use
electrostatic or electronic mechanisms. They
are all effective in removing the dangerous
particulate matter.
Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Water,
air, and cleanness are the chief articles in
my pharmacy.” The medical community now
confirms this - breathe clean air and you
may prevent cardiovascular disease.
If you are looking for a professional
Virginia duct cleaning company please call us
today at 800.828.4398 or complete
our
online request form.
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