5 Health Signs of Not Breathing Clean Air

Introduction 

Many people know the significance of the air we breathe, but why? While air pollution is frequently undetectable, it can significantly impact people’s health. The evidence demonstrates that air pollution could affect human health more than previously thought.

Most people in Europe reside in locations, particularly cities, where air quality index history can be very bad. Numerous illnesses, including stroke, trachea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchus, lung malignancies, worsened asthma, and lower respiratory infections, can be brought on by both short – and long exposure to air pollution. Evidence of connections between exposure to air pollution with type 2 diabetes, systemic inflammation, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the historical weather data by zip code, PM2.5 is a major contributor to cancer. According to a new global assessment, chronic exposure can impact every organ in the human body, complicating and aggravating pre-existing medical issues.

In the United States, particle and ozone pollution predominate. The American Lung Association’s yearly “State of the Air” report tracks these pollutants. Millions of Americans’ lives and health are in danger because of these two pollutants. How? The “Terrible 10” health consequences of breathing contaminated air are listed below:

1. Premature death: According to science, brief and prolonged exposure to a city’s poor air quality index history can decrease lifespan and cause premature death. Remember our blog post about the massive smog catastrophe that was the subject of “The Crown”? Medical professionals have been aware of this risk for decades.

2. Asthma attacks: Breathing in ozone or particle pollution can cause an increase in asthma episodes, which can result in ER visits, hospital admissions, lost work and school, and other complications.

3. cardiovascular disease: Both heart attacks & strokes are made more by air pollution.

4. Lung cancer: In 2013, the World Health Organization found that increased particle pollution can lead to lung cancer, the main reason for cancer-related death in the U.S.

5. Developmental harm: Children exposed to air pollution may experience slowed or stunted lung development, which could negatively impact their health and adult lung function.

6. Infection susceptibility: Air pollution raises the risk for lung infections, particularly in young children.

7. Worsened COPD symptoms: Individuals experiencing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find it more difficult to breathe when exposed to air pollution. Serious symptoms may necessitate hospitalization or even result in death.

8. Lung tissue inflammation and swelling: Those with healthy lungs can experience these conditions. These consequences can damage people with chronic lung conditions like asthma and COPD.

9. Low birth weight: According to certain research, air pollution exposure may raise the risk of low birth weight or infant mortality.

10. Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath can all be brought on by short-term and long-term contracts with high levels of air pollutants, much like many other conditions on this list.

Indoor Air Can Cause Health Problems

Do you worry about breathing in the air? Because you are inside doesn’t mean you’re safe. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be far worse than the outdoor air in homes and other structures.

Significant health issues might result from indoor air pollution. The impacts of the city’s indoor air quality index history are frequently most dangerous to individuals who may be exposed to it for the longest periods. Children, senior citizens, and those suffering from long-term (chronic) ailments are included in this.

Most sources that emit gases and pollutants are responsible for indoor air pollution. Pollution is constantly released by items like air fresheners and building supplies. Indoor pollution is also brought on by additional sources like tobacco smoke & wood-burning stoves. Some contaminants in indoor air have been there for a while. However, they were frequently rendered weak by indoor air leaking outside. Homes that are more energy-efficient today do not allow as much outside air to enter.

Improving Air Indoors

Indoor air pollution might also be dangerous. This can come from a variety of places. Small particles in secondhand tobacco smoke can harm your lungs. Gas stoves and equipment can produce hazardous gases.

Allergens, which induce allergies, can be secreted by both pets & pests (including mice and cockroaches). Mold and dust mites also produce allergens. It is possible for cleaning supplies and furnishings to discharge dangerous substances into the air.

Scientists have recently learned about the connection between indoor pollution exposure and disease. What can we do about it, studies are now asking? What can be used to lessen a few of these exposures? Zeldin declares.

Several NIH-funded scientists are investigating how to lessen the harm caused by indoor air pollution. The use of air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, to enhance the air quality for elderly persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a topic of study for Hansel (COPD). In addition to making breathing difficult, this condition increases the risk of serious lung infections, including pneumonia.

According to studies and historical weather data by zip code, patients with COPD may find it difficult to breathe within their homes.

Hansel’s team is currently investigating the use of air cleaners in the home equipped with specialized filters. The filters they are evaluating remove particles and nitrogen dioxide, a gaseous pollutant created by cooking.

The researchers will compare the symptoms of COPD in those who use the filters and those who don’t. They anticipate that using the filters will lower the number of hospital visits.

According to Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, a specialist in children’s health at Boston Children’s Hospital, research has indicated that indoor air quality inside the home can enhance the health of children with lung issues.