1 in 4 Deaths Linked to Air Pollution

Since air pollution is a source of toxic exposure, it is logical that air pollution isn't good for us and that it can lead to health problems. What may surprising to you, is what a tremendous negative impact air pollution can have on human health and longevity.

According to a recent report on environmentally related deaths by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 deaths are related to living and working in a toxic environment, with air pollution being the greatest contributor to this risk.

Because of improved sanitation, mosquito nets and access to safe water, communicable infectious diseases, such as malaria, have decreased although they still account for one-third of the global death toll each year.

According to WHO's report, air pollution is a major contributor to diseases, such as lung and respiratory infections, heart disease and cancer. Water pollution was found to be a significant contributor to diarrheal diseases and infant mortality.

American researchers warn that exposure to air pollution for as little as one or two months, may be enough to increase your risk of diabetes, especially if you're obese to begin with. They're not sure of the mechanism behind this link. Mexican-Americans living in southern California were found to have an increased risk of high cholesterol, impaired blood sugar control and insulin resistance, after short-term exposure to air contaminants.

It is theorized that dust, dirt, soot and smoke, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, may enter your system and cause chronic inflammation, which in turn increases your risk of any number of health problems, not just diabetes.

Air pollution and noise pollution often go hand-in-hand, as some of the most heavily air-polluted areas are also those near loud busy roadways and airports.

Earlier research found that both air and noise pollution are independently associated with heart risks, specifically subclinical atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

According to Michael Jerrett, director of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of California, people living in areas with high air pollution, would be wise to take some common sense precautions to limit their exposure, such as:

• Limit outdoor exercise during peak commuting hours
• Avoid running or riding your bike along major highways
• Indoors, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on your furnace and/or air conditioning unit. Alternatively, use a stand-alone unit

1. Open a few windows for five to 10 minutes each day, preferably on opposite sides of the house to create cross ventilation. Even if outdoor air quality is poor, indoor air can be 5 to 10 times more polluted, so getting rid of that stale air can be an important and simple step.

2. Incorporate a high-quality air purifier. I personally prefer Airocide.

3. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Standard bag or bagless vacuum cleaners are a major contributor to poor indoor air quality.

4. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products (such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar) and safer personal care products. Avoid aerosols, commercial air fresheners, and scented candles, which can out-gas thousands of different chemicals. Look for VOC-free cleaners.

5. Houseplants can markedly improve the air indoors. For tips and guidelines, see my previous article The 10 Best Pollution-Busting Houseplants.

6. Avoid powders. Talcum and other personal care powders can be problematic as they float and linger in the air after each use. Many powders are allergens due to their tiny size, and can cause respiratory problems.

7. Take your shoes off as soon as you enter the house, and leave them by the door to prevent tracking in toxic particles.

8. Don't hang dry-cleaned clothing in your closet immediately. Hang them outside for a day or two. Better yet, see if there's an eco-friendly dry cleaner in your city that uses some of the newer dry cleaning technologies, such as liquid CO2.

9. Discourage or even better, forbid, tobacco smoking in or around your home.

10. Upgrade your furnace filters. Today, there are more elaborate filters that trap more of the particulates. Have your furnace and air conditioning ductwork and chimney cleaned regularly. Also ensure your combustion appliances are properly vented.

11. Avoid storing paints, adhesives, solvents, and other harsh chemicals in your house or in an attached garage.

12. Avoid using nonstick cookware, which can release toxins into the air when heated.

13. Make sure your house has proper drainage and its foundation is sealed properly to avoid mold formation. For more information about the health dangers of mold and how to address it, please see this previous article.

14. Regularly air out your car, especially if it's new. Chemicals from plastics, solvents, carpet and audio equipment add to the toxic mix in your car's cabin. That "new car smell" can contain up to 35 times the health limit for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), "making its enjoyment akin to glue-sniffing."

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