www.demotix.com 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.
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.
www.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.
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.
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.
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.
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