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2004 Lung Association Report on Air Quality
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
May 12 2004 | 1,340 views

During the years 2000 to 2002, millions of Americans were exposed to toxic levels of air pollution. In the American Lung Association State of the Air 2004 report, information on air pollution was listed state-by-state and a country-by-country basis. It was presented with the most up-to-date data and represented a guideline to be used for nationwide comparisons.

Nationwide marks from the air pollution report card:

  • Almost half of the people who live in the United States, 47 percent, live in areas with dangerous levels of ozone.
  • Nearly 4.5 million adults and 1.8 million children with asthma live in areas with high levels of short-term particle pollution.
  • More than half, 55 percent, of the U.S. population lives in counties that have dangerous levels of either ozone or particle pollution.
  • Over 16.7 million Americans with cardiovascular diseases live in areas with unhealthy levels of short-term particle pollution.

Why do we need to worry about particle pollution?

  • Particle pollution is a combination of fine solids and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe, and could only be seen through an electron microscope.
  • It could cause reactions such as coughing, wheezing, heart attacks and death.
  • Smaller particles could become trapped in the lungs and then passed through the blood stream.

Top five best and worst metropolitan areas for short-term particle pollution:

Most Polluted Cities

  1. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
  2. Fresno-Madera, CA
  3. Bakersfield, CA
  4. Pittsburgh-New Castle, PA
  5. Eugene-Springfield, OR

Least Polluted Cities

  1. Santa Fe-Expanola, NM
  2. Honolulu, HI
  3. Cheyenne, WY
  4. Great Falls, MT
  5. Farmington, NM

Actions you could take to protect yourself and your family from air pollution:

  • Don't make the assumption that because you're healthy you're safe from pollution. Anyone could be at risk from ozone and particle pollution.

  • Be aware of those people who are more sensitive to ozone or particle pollution such as children, elderly and those with breathing difficulties or lung diseases.

  • If there are reports of dangerous ozone levels, be sure to plan your day accordingly and try to avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors doing rigorous physical activity. Schedule any strenuous activities outdoors for the early morning hours when the ozone levels are the lowest.

  • Follow the air pollution levels in your area. This could be done by watching an air quality forecast for the day.

  • Voice your opinions on clean air by expressing your concerns to your officials about how air pollution might be damaging your health and let them know you are a supporter of more stringent air pollution control guidelines.

American Lung Association April 29, 2004



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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Many of us don't have the luxury of easily changing our location. However, clean air should be a factor when relocating in the future. Since moving to a less-polluted location is usually not a feasible option for most people, it is important to be aware of the risk factors you can control.

Tips for taking a preventative plan of action:

  • Follow the nutrition plan by avoiding all sugars and grains from your diet.
  • Replace commercial milk with raw milk from grass-fed cows.
  • Consume plenty of omega-3 fats from fish oils.

By making these simple changes to your diet, you will notice a profound impact in the way you breathe and you will also be taking the steps within your power to protect your lungs and overall health.

Some 50 million people suffer from allergies in the United States alone. If you are among them, you should seriously consider utilizing what is perhaps the most effective preventive against allergens in your home: a high-quality air purifier. However, be very careful. Most of the models out there, especially the popular ones, don't get the job done properly.

My team and I have analyzed this, and the one home air purifier I now recommend highly is the Way Healthier Air Purifier. I encourage you to read more about it, including why the technology it uses makes it so much more reliable and effective than other types of air purifiers.

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Air Pollution Increases Death Rate

Heart Attacks Tied To Air Pollution

Eco-Groups Say "Ban MTBE"

Most Americans Breathe Polluted Air

Unhealthy Gums Can Lead to Lung Disease

Hot Tubs Can Be a Source of Lung Disease






 
 
 
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