I went to the doctor a while ago because of a cough and he told me that living in Los Angeles is as bad as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Recently I found out that as many as 24,000 people die each year in California due to “chronic exposure to fine particulate pollution.” No one can technically die of “pollution,” but pollution can cause heart attacks, lung disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the list goes on. Los Angeles is one of the most polluted cities in the world.
“Our report concludes these particles are 70 percent more dangerous than previously thought, based on several major studies that have occurred in the last five years,” Bart Croes, chief researcher for the California Air Resources Board, told the Los Angeles Times.
The studies, including one by USC tracking 23,000 people, and another by the American Cancer Society monitoring 300,000 people across the United States, have found that heart attacks, strokes and other serious diseases increase exponentially after exposure to metal or dust, The Times reported.
Californians exposed to high levels of fine particulates had their lives cut short by about 10 years, the board staff found, according to The Times.
You can do your part to help the environment, ere is one list of simple things you can do day to day to help, but in the meantime, here is a list of things you can do to protect yourself from indoor pollutions that cause lung disease.
- Mold / Mildew / Bacteria - These may come from improperly cleaned air-conditioners or from a source of dampness in the home. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated to prevent condensation.
- Tobacco / Cigar / Pipe Smoke - Second-hand smoke always bad.Animal Dusts
- Pet Dander - Minute particles of fur and skin (pet dander) leave particles that settle on carpets, upholstery and bedding and can cause long-term allergy problems. Make sure you vacuum your carpets and wash your pets
- Formaldehyde Gas - This gas can be released by some adhesives, carpets, upholstery fabrics, and plywood and particle board used in buildings. The gas can cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, nausea and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. If possible, remove the source. If not, cover the source with a coating and increase ventilation. (Find out more about formaldehyde in the home.)
- Cooking & Heating Appliances - Heaters and stoves fueled by gas or propane can produce harmful amounts of nitrogen dioxide and/or carbon monoxide if not properly installed. Make sure all appliances are professionally installed and inspected and have a vent to the outside.
- Toxic Chemicals - Properly store cleaning agents, pesticides, personal care products, paints and solvents.
- Dust Mites -These are found in every home, mainly in bedding. Where the atmosphere is warm and moist, it is virtually impossible to eradicate them as they breed very fast. Wash your bedding frequently and get covers which don’t allow dust mites to pass through. )
- Radon Gas -This is released by soil or rock which contains small amounts or uranium or radium. In areas where housing is built on granite rock, radon gas can enter the home from the rock below through cracks and drains. When purchasing a home, be sure to have it tested for radon gas.
- Asbestos - Asbestos fibers can cause several different lung diseases. Pipe, tank and boiler lagging older than 25 years old may contain asbestos. If it is crumbling and in poor repair, it may create a hazard and should be removed by specialists. Make sure it’s removed immediately.
Photo by Chang’r
Quotes by CBS2.com
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2 responses so far ↓
1 TFS // May 26, 2008 at 8:14 pm
That’s why I smoke, easier to just die of cancer…
Hope ur cough is better
2 LA Slinks: (Un)Affordable Housing, LA Pollution, Shipping Container Homes and Offices, and the Next Big Thing » a n t h o n y w o n g // May 27, 2008 at 6:42 pm
[...] accounts for 6 of the 10 least affordable markets, despite LA home prices dropping significantly. How to Protect Yourself from Pollution in LA: as many as 24,000 people die each year in California due to “chronic exposure to fine [...]
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