francene--blog. Year 2013
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July 10th

7/10/2013

 
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A big international study points to air pollution for killing people with weak hearts. Tainted air, largely from traffic fumes, has previously been linked to heart attacks but not heart failure. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution in towns and cities kills 1.3 million people globally each year.

The Lancet research looked at 35 studies with data for thousands of patients in 12 countries, including the UK, the US and China.

The strongest link was found with gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, as well as fine particulate air pollution. Fumes from buses, taxis and road transportation can get deep into the lungs and, from there, into the bloodstream.


Picturewww.ealingtimes.co.uk
People with already weakened hearts who were exposed to high levels (by living near to or travelling along busy roads, for example) were particularly susceptible. The weak heart muscle can't do good job of pumping blood around the body. The increased risk seems to be strongest on the day of exposure.

Air pollution has been linked to asthma and other lung diseases, including cancer, as well as heart problems. When pollution levels are high, people should take measures to protect themselves, by staying indoors when possible and avoiding busy roads.

That places me in a quandary. Two weeks ago, I decided to walk for 15 minutes after my evening meal. This was recommended to avoid type-2 diabetes in an older, less active person.  The only place where I can walk is along a busy road under giant horse-chestnut trees and surrounded by open fields. However, at that time, the road is full of idling cars, buses and transports. The smell of fumes is overbearing in what should be fresh air.


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For as long as I can remember, my heartbeat has been irregular. Which to choose: walk in contaminated air risking heart-failure, or stay at home and develop diabetes.

Is Mother Nature killing off an overpopulated species?

Only the strong shall survive. Rather than the Earth rising up against mankind in a case of natural selection, the pollution weeding out the weak is of our own making.


Tamsin link
7/9/2013 07:50:51 pm

This is a challenging decision, Francene! It does seem to defeat the object of the exercise to be breathing polluted air that can harm you in another way! You'll have to reflect on you day and see how you can incorporate walking into your daily routine where you are in a space of cleaner air!

Francene Stanley link
7/9/2013 10:06:59 pm

Walking is difficult in a confined space. However, maybe another activity would do. Thanks for your advice, Tasmin.

The Great Gordino link
7/9/2013 08:01:11 pm

Interesting! I think it's less mother nature killing us off, as us killing ourselves!
Pollution is a massive issue - look at less regulated places like China and India, in a terrible state.
Unfortunately it's all about the money, turning the wheels of commerce, and it'll continue to be an uphill battle I fear!
Cheers, Gordon

Francene Stanley link
7/9/2013 10:08:06 pm

What will it take to change the way the wheels go around? Thanks for your thoughts on this.

The Great Gordino link
7/10/2013 07:54:46 am

Normally things like this only change with more money machinations - when it becomes more financially beneficial *not* to pollute,
cheers,
Gordon

The Great Gordino link
7/10/2013 07:55:08 am

Normally things like this only change with more money machinations - when it becomes more financially beneficial *not* to pollute,
cheers,
Gordon

The Great Gordino link
7/10/2013 07:55:34 am

Normally things like this only change with more money machinations - when it becomes more financially beneficial *not* to pollute,
cheers,
Gordon

Alana link
7/10/2013 11:34:30 am

It is a problem, Francene. But where there isn't pollution, the problem can be just having a place to walk, period. In rural areas here where I live, the only choice is walking along a busy road and risk being hit by a car. Either way - perhaps we are trying to kill ourselves off.

Anita-Clare Field link
7/10/2013 06:16:57 pm

Pollution of any kind is disaster, Where we live there is a huge community erring towards returning to traditional methods using biodynamics. We both totally buy into this concept.


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    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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