Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) can age our lungs by up to 2 years. That’s according to a study just published in the European Respiratory Journal.
More than 300,000 people were monitored for the purposes of the study, which concludes that exposure to air pollution speeds up the aging process of our lungs and increases our risk of developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
COPD is a term used to describe various lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing. These symptoms can be managed but there is no cure for COPD. And over time, the disease will inevitably worsen. After heart disease and strokes, COPD is the third biggest killer worldwide, with around 16 million Americans currently diagnosed.
COPD is often associated with smoking but according to this latest study, exposure to air pollution can significantly increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. In fact, for people living in highly polluted areas, poor quality air poses more of a risk than exposure to second-hand smoke.
Furthermore, it seems lower income people are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Even after accounting for smoking status and working conditions, the poorer the participants were, the higher their risk of developing COPD or experiencing decreased lung function. Researchers believe this may be due to factors such as poor diet, poor housing conditions, their access to healthcare and the effects of child poverty that can last into adulthood.
If you’d like to read the full article, it’s here.
Are you concerned about the quality of air in your home? Perhaps you’re experiencing the early signs of COPD, such as a persistent cough or breathlessness. If you’d like more information on our products and how they can improve your health, visit our shop page here.
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