While most women consider a bad hair day a catastrophe there is something much worse. It is a bad air day. That is what pollution causes. Were you aware that each person uses over 25,000 gallons of air daily? It is true. Can you fathom how much air is breathed by the humans on earth? All living creatures whether human or animal breathe air. Air is the most necessary commodity we have. Pollution contaminates the air we breathe. How can we know that we are breathing clean air? Before we can determine the answer for that question we must first understand where pollution comes from.
The greatest source of air pollution comes from our vehicles. “Cars cause over half of nitrogen-oxide, NOx emissions.” Over 71% of Carbon Monoxide issues stem from vehicular wastes. Other sources of air pollution are certain types of businesses such as dry cleaners, public transportation, the wind and even fires.
We know some sources of this malady, but how can you protect yourself and your loved ones? What can pollution do to harm us?
Pollution can increase health issues for the elderly, Asthmatics, those with Cardio Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and others with respiratory issues. These issues include, but are not limited to heart and breathing concerns.
If your city is susceptible to air pollution here are some tips that may help. Get your exercise earlier rather than later, avoid outside activities during the middle of the day if you can, and avoid congested areas and work traffic because air is less healthy during those periods. It is also important to let your child’s school officials know of any health issues ahead of time.
Indoor air pollution is harmful too. Sources include mold, pollen, cooking smoke, tobacco, some household products, lead and radon gas.