What's in the Air You're BreathingA Look at Radical Elements in the Air and What You Can Do to Protect YourselfThere are a number of environmental pollutants in our air, and while a number of these are man-made, the fact remains that a great many seep into our atmosphere at escalated rates. Results for scientific studies first carried out over a decade ago are finally coming in; the results show that nitrogen oxide is a key emitter circulating in the air. However, there are also a number of other contaminants -the most common one being smog. What Is Smog?If you've ever left your city and entered more sparse surroundings, you'll have noticed the considerable improvement in the air quality. If you've ever re-entered your city, you'll have instantly not only seen the blanket layer of gray air and the poor air quality saturating your lungs. What you're witnessing is smog. Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that form smoke and fog in the air. It is generally formed when ground-level ozone, fine particles, and other chemicals react on hot days. Ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but at ground level, ozone is a highly irritating gas. It forms when two primary pollutants -- nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds -- react in sunlight and stagnant air. Most nitrogen oxides come from burning fossil fuels, while VOCs are gases that contain carbon, usually emitted by gasoline fumes and solvents, such as those found in some paints. Airborne particles, sometimes called aerosols, are microscopic particles of pollutants that can remain suspended in the air for a considerable length of time. Primary particles include windblown dust and soil, sea spray, pollen, and plant spores. Smog is caused by a number of contaminants, including exhaust fumes from the millions of vehicles on the road each day, the hundreds of factories pumping pollutants into the air, and microscopic everyday activity that all contribute to deteriorated air quality. Further scientific studies indicate that it's not just smog that you have to watch out for, but organic material. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "the air you breathe is teeming with more than 1,800 kinds of bacteria, including harmless relatives of microbes associated with bioterrorist attacks." What You Can Do to Protect Yourself1. Don't Allow Smoking Indoors - There is no safe level of second hand smoke. Each year, second hand smoke sends 7,500-15,000 children aged 18 months or younger to the hospital. Hundreds of thousands of children will develop respiratory tract infections from second hand smoke this year. It's not even good enough to allow smoking outside of doors or on balconies, as the smoke simply re-enters indoors. Try to designate a smoking area at least 20 feet away from the premises.2. Carbon Monoxide Detector - Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that kills over 400 people each year. Carbon monoxide levels can rise very quickly in unventilated areas. Make sure you install a functioning detector in your home, preferably near your bedroom. 3. Test for Radon - Scientists estimate that radon causes thousands of deaths annually. Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock and can only be detected through testing. 4. Fix Leaks - Rain and high humidity can bring moisture indoors, creating dampness, mold and mildew. Mold aside, dampness alone is associated with higher risk of wheezing, coughing and asthma symptoms. Check your roof, foundation and basement or crawlspace once a year to catch leaks or moisture problems and route water away from the building's foundation. |
