You could become ill through exposure to hazards in the environment such as pesticides, traffic emissions and industrial solvents. Many of these hazards are caused by human activities, while others, such as ultraviolet radiation, occur naturally in the environment.
Common air pollutants found in industrialized countries include ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. They can not only harm your health, but they damage the environment. With the huge industrial growth and progress the world is experiencing, chances are that you or a family member will develop bronchitis, asthma, or even cancer or birth defects. Health professionals are concerned about pollution because very fine particles can get deep into your lungs, and cause emergency room visits and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. Most at risk are the elderly, children, and asthmatics as well as those already suffering from existing heart or lung disease.
But you can help to minimize contamination from pollution. Watch your local weather network and be aware of your area’s pollution level. Stay indoors during days when pollution levels are high as lower levels are experienced indoors than outdoors. If you do need to go outside, try to do it early in the morning or in the evening as sunshine increases ozone levels. If you work outside, perhaps as a construction worker, consider wearing a mask as even healthy people can experience a reduction in lung function and an increase in respiratory problems if working in high levels for an extended period of time. Exerting yourself outdoors when pollution levels are high is dangerous because the faster you breathe, the more particles you take into your lungs.
Stay away from any area where tobacco smoke exists as it contains some of the most harmful chemicals and is a major cause of ill health. As well as cancer and heart attacks, other risks to health include lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. If you smoke, stop! If you are unsuccessful. get help from your doctor or a public agency that will specializes in smoking cessation programs. With every puff you take, you are inhaling toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene into your bloodstream. If you don’t smoke, stay away from those who do, as the drastic results of second-hand smoke have been well documented.
Avoid areas where fuels such as coal, wood and oil are burned because particle pollution has very fine dust, soot, and smoke formed from chemical reactions. Motor vehicles, electric power generation, and industrial facilities are also major pollutants so avoid these areas. If you run or jog in your neighbourhood, stay away from the exhaust of heavy traffic areas. Particles may also come from fireplaces and wood stoves.
Keep your children inside on high level days too. They are at risk from ozone pollution because they may be outside playing during the summer days when ozone levels are at their highest. As their lungs are still developing, they are more susceptible to damage from pollution.
These steps will lessen possible symptoms in healthy adults and children, but if you have a chronic heart or lung problem, you may have to consider more drastic measures, such as relocating your home. Do everything you can to protect your health and lessen the effects of pollution.
