In the U.S. we talk a lot about our air pollution problems. We act as if our air supply is infinitely available. But some areas have bigger pollution problems than others -- less available air, in some ways. And different pollutants abound in different areas. My recent trip to China highlighted just what air quality problems can do to one's health; I got bronchitis, and I'm a healthy adult. Just think what children, seniors and people with various breathing problems suffer from breathing polluted air.
The United States government has recently announced that the air in 345 counties in the United States is not fit to breathe. This announcement was made to help underscore the importance of finding ways both governmentally and citizen-wise to help decrease the air pollution.
]]> Of the 700 counties that are routinely tested, this means that almost 1/2 of them had air that was unhealthy. This is scary and should be an impetus to citizens, the EPA, city, state, and local governments, and businesses that something needs to be done to help stop this epidemic.Ozone is the main area where the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is enacting stricter regulations. They are calling these restrictions, "among the strictest ever" to help decrease the amount of ozone that is released into the air via businesses, electric plants, and oil plants. This is to help the millions of people that are affected every day by the smog that is in the air due to ozone.
The restriction decreases the amount of ozone that is considered "safe" from 80 parts per billion (ppb) to 75ppb. Though this is a start, it's not thought to be enough by some health care providers and experts on air quality.
Why is this not enough? Many studies have found that children who are exposed to ozone of 50ppb for approximately an hour have symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. This is in children who have active asthma symptoms. In the elderly, they begin to feel the effects at about 60ppb. This is 15-25ppb lower than the amount that is considered by the EPA to be "safe". Is it any wonder that people with asthma are having so many more symptoms these days?
The interesting reality is there really no "safe" level of ozone. The effects on the lungs over a lifetime are difficult to measure and with the amounts at this high level, it is almost certain that there is some effect. Many studies have found that the increased level of ozone has some part in the number of premature deaths that occur in our country. This is most likely true, due to the fact that ozone does have an effect upon the lungs and other organs of the body.
The disheartening thing about this whole situation is that we will end up paying for the changes that need to be made. Whether it is through taxes or high costs for gas or electricity, the cost to change these plants to help them release less ozone is something that we, as citizens, will fund.
This is the issue that has many governmental officials up in the air. Just decreasing the ozone amount by 5ppb could cost up to $8.8 billion per year, and it's a cost that will be passed on to the citizens. Though the costs will add up, the decrease in ozone can decrease health care costs and the number of people who die prematurely. Is it worth that cost? I think so, but is it enough to make a difference? That is still to be decided.
The air problem in the United States is complex, as it is around the world. Ozone reduction is just one necessary step in making improvements. Here's to better breathing.
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The world is a complex place and learning how to stop air pollution isn't simple. The causes of air pollution aren't simple so the actions we need to take to improve air quality and stop the degradation of clean air are involved. Taking one simple step is a good start. Taking several simple steps is better.
Learning how to stop air pollution is as simple as getting on the computer. Many different websites offer you tips on how to decrease your effect upon the air in your part of the world, as well as information about the amount and the kind of air pollution that is the most common in your area. Taking this information and combining it with knowledge about how to decrease your effect on the environment can have long lasting benefit for the area where you live and the world as a whole. Where do you start in your journey in learning how to stop air pollution?
]]> First begin by learning about what air pollution concerns there are. Among these, you will learn carbon dioxide is largely responsible for global warming. Then you'll learn about other common things connected to your life contribute to air pollution: chemicals from household products; offgassing from furnishings and construction materials; byproducts from the cattle industry like methane, and the chemicals used to create the food for cattle; pesticides and fertilizer for human living;and manufacturing, industry, and transportation also contribute. Air pollution also includes things that you may not even consider dangerous, including dust, volcanic ash, and smoke from forest fires. Many of these pollutants would not be very dangerous, except that when they combine with other pollutants they cause a chemical reaction that causes severe environmental conditions, including acid rain, damage to the ozone level, smog, and more.Another step you want to take in your quest to learn how to stop air pollution is learning how to decrease your effect upon the environment. One of the most common things that we do that harms the environment is driving our automobile. Unless you have a hybrid vehicle or other environmentally friendly vehicle, you are releasing pollutants into the air each and every time you drive down the road. And even then you are contributing to air pollution a little because it takes some combination of gasoline and electricity to run your hybrid or electric car. By decreasing the amount of driving that you do, carpooling, or using mass transportation, you can help to reduce the amount of pollution that you are responsible for.
Another thing that most people do not think about is the chemicals that they use in and around their home. Chemicals including hairspray, bug spray, paint, perfume and fertilizers add compounds to the air that impair air quality. Each time you use a product with a strong smell, your are introducing pollutants into the air than need to be dealt with. These chemicals may not seem like much, but when combined with the same chemicals that are released by other people they can have quite a big impact upon the world.
Natural products may contribute to air pollution, but man-made-chemical and petroleum-based compounds are the worse contributors and need to be brought under control. Air quality is more than the visible pollutants we associate with air pollution. Air pollution is multi-faceted in its sources and in its effects.
Learning how to stop air pollution take knowledge and change. People sometimes do not want to put in the time and effort needed to learn as much as they should about air pollution and ways to help prevent air pollution. By doing your research online and asking questions, you will be on your way to doing your part in decreasing your effect upon the environment, which will help you, your children, and your children's children.
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The cause of air pollution is not simple or even localized. You may live in an area that doesn't create much of its own air pollution, but that doesn't mean you don't have any problems with it. Air quality is impacted from activities that happen far away, as well as close at hand. Changing your lifestyle can make a difference. To do that, become aware of all the things you do that contribute to air pollution, and become aware of the things you can do to bring clean and fresh air back into your life.
Air pollution is a problem that most people like to blame on everyone else, on industries, or on the government. What is truly the cause of air pollution? You. Me. Your neighbor. Your friend. We are all the cause of air pollution. Each time we climb into our cars, we are adding to the air pollution problem. Each lit cigarette contributes to air pollution. Energy consumption, agriculture, and travel contribute to air pollution. The furnishings and finishes we use in our homes and offices often contribute to air pollution. Each time we buy a product from an industry that is adding to the air pollution problem we take a little of that blame on our own shoulders. We are the reason that the ozone level is depleting. We are the reason that cities are covered in smog. We are to blame.
]]> You may be saying to yourself, "I didn't do all of it. The government should have set some regulations sooner" and you would be right. However, we are not helping the situation any when we continue to take the environment for granted. By not paying attention to the activities that we do every single day, from driving to work to mowing the lawn to using chemicals in our homes, we are exacerbating the effects that are parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents began. Therefore, we have a significant responsibility for the condition of the air today.You may be thinking, "I am not responsible for what the industries do" and you can't march in and close them down. However, by supporting the industries that are the worse offenders by purchasing their products or services, you are in fact condoning their air pollution. This information is readily available on local air quality sites, simply by doing a search on the internet. The industries that are repeat offenders of the air pollution regulations should be the ones that you concentrate on, so that they will get the message that we are not going to stand for it anymore.
And buying products manufactured elsewhere doesn't improve air quality in your area. Why? Because air circulates around the globe. Pollution created in China, India or anywhere will come to the center of the US or Canada, causing problems as it comes. Supporting polluting industries only encourages more.
We all need electricity and you may feel like you can't do anything about the amount of pollution that they release into the air. You are right up to a point. As far as the electrical plants, we do need electricity to do all that we do today, but have you ever considered that if you used less electricity, you could decrease the amount of energy that the plant has to produce? Just by turning off lights when you are not in a room, using lower wattage bulbs, turning off televisions, and other simple steps, you can help decrease the amount of electricity that your home uses and if everyone would do this, then the electrical plant would not need to produce as much energy. This would result in a decrease in the amount of pollutants that they release, as well as save you money.
By making changes in our own lives and being aware of the industries, manufacturers, and activities that release pollution into the air, we can help to make a difference in the air pollution problem. We will then turn from a cause of air pollution into a solution to decreasing air pollution. That is a decision that will have far-reaching effects for future generations.
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You thought we were going to blame credit health effects on air pollution, didn't you. No, it's the other way around. So many of the health issues we face today are directly or indirectly attributed to air pollution. Different pollutants have different effects on people, but there is an increasing awareness and connection between the air pollution levels in cities and different areas and the various health problems cropping up there. Health effects of air pollution are multiple and potentially serious.
Most people understand that air pollution causes environmental problems, but they may not be as knowledgeable about the fact that we can blame many health effects on air pollution. In fact, some of the symptoms that you have every single day could be attributed to the air pollution, but you are blaming in on a cold, sinus problems, and more. Learning more about the health effects that may be blamed on air pollution can allow you to determine if you are being affected by air pollution, so that you can make changes in your life to help decrease air pollution in your city or town.
]]> Some of the health effects that can be blamed on increased amounts of air pollution can include increased problems with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and other lung diseases, as well as allergies. These symptoms can worsen according to the levels of air pollution making it dangerous for patients that are sensitive to the pollution to even leave their homes. Everyone reacts differently to the pollutants that are in the air, having symptoms that range from minor to severe, and this makes it difficult for patients to cope.We can also blame other health effects on air pollution. Cancer is one disease that many researchers say can be directly connected to people encountering specific pollutants. They can see a clustering effect in areas of high pollution with many patients having the same type of cancer, which shows them that the cause can be directly related to the air pollution that these people come into contact with on a regular basis.
Though skin problems aren't considered life threatening, they can be life changing. If your skin has eruptions, open sores or hives, you may not be as active and happy as you otherwise would be. Air pollution and poor air quality can aggravate skin conditions. And it can cause auto-immune conditions that also impact your skin problems and general health.
This long-term exposure to pollutants is still being studied in areas all over the world, simply because all is not known about the health effects that can be blamed on air pollution.
Who is most susceptible to the health problems caused by air pollution? Infants and children are the first group that comes to mind. Pediatricians all over the world see higher incidences of illnesses like bronchitis, asthma, and earaches in children who live in areas of higher air pollution than normal. Many researchers attribute the large increase of asthma diagnoses in children to the steadily increasing levels of air pollution. They are not the only group of people who are grossly affected by air pollution, however.
The elderly is another group that seems to be more sensitive to air pollution. This is especially true in the elderly who have pre-existing lung conditions. They seem to be more susceptible to the pollutants in the air, which decreases their lung function. This causes them to have many lung problems that decrease their quality of life and possibly even their lives.
As you can see, we can blame many different health effects on air pollution. From the minor symptoms of watery eyes and a constant runny nose to the more severe symptoms of shortness of breath and cancer, there are many different ways that our bodies are trying to tell us that the air pollution is not healthy. By listening to our bodies and finding ways to decrease the amount of pollutants that we release, we can begin to make a difference in the world for us, our children, and future generations.
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Air pollution in Los Angeles is less today than it was in the '60s, when it developed its reputation for being a badly polluted city, but it's not as good as residents and tourists alike would enjoy. Air quality has improved because of strong measures to control vehicular pollution and the importing of electricity (putting the polluting electric plants in other areas of the west). Clean air makes for a better quality of life. Fresh air is something we all deserve.
One city in the United States that has a reputation for high levels of air pollution is Los Angeles. Air pollution in Los Angeles is a significant problem, but it is a problem that can be traced back to the geography of the land, as well as the pollutants that are released into the air. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about the geography of the land, but there is much we can do to help decrease the amount of pollution that is released into the air. This is where the attention needs to be to help decrease the air pollution in Los Angeles. What are some of the pollutants that need to be focused upon?
]]> Transcontinental pollution is one large contributor to the air pollution in Los Angeles. These clouds of pollution travel across the ocean from China and settle over Los Angeles before moving on across the country. Research that was completed in 2007 estimates that almost one-third of the pollution that is found in the air of Los Angeles can be directly attributed to China. What can be done about that? NOther than help educate the Chinese government and people, not much can be done by us. But that is why it is essential that we do everything possible to help decrease our own air pollution, so that we can keep our country as healthy as possible.Cars and other transportation are a big contributor to air pollution in Los Angeles. One study estimates that the time you spend in your car is where you are exposed to 33-45 percent of the pollution over the period of one day. This pollution includes fumes from diesel engines and ultrafine particles that can cause severe health concerns. The most common contributor of pollution on the road is diesel trucks.
Power plants are another contributor to the Los Angeles air pollution. Finding cleaner ways to make electricity is a priority in Los Angeles and in other cities around the world. By making cleaner electric production, we can help decrease the release of pollutants, which could make a significant difference in the pollution levels.
The bowl-shaped area that is Los Angeles makes it very difficult for the pollutants to get out of the city, which is one reason this city is at the top of the most-polluted list. Finding ways to decrease the amount of pollutants that are released is a necessity to help fight against the geography of the city. Although the levels have decreased, it has still not been enough to cause a significant change in the environment. By continuing to work toward decreasing air pollution, the levels will continue to decrease and cause more impact. That is the goal.
Air pollution in Los Angeles may always be a problem, but by doing what we can to decrease our effect, we can help to make a difference. If each person does their part by driving less, not using products that release chemicals into the air, conserving their energy consumption, and generally living a greener life, we can help to make the air safer for ourselves and for future generations.
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Air quality is suffering more in developing countries than in industrialized ones. Reading a journal about air pollution in Malaysia will help you understand the specific problems they have. Countries like Malaysia are still too poor to worry about clean air, but there will come a time when they will be forced to, and hopefully will be able to afford the solutions.
When learning about air pollution all around the world, you are sure to come across a journal about air pollution in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a country many westerners know much about, but it is a country that is very affected by air pollution.From the beach to the jungle to the cities, Malaysia is a country that offers quite a bit to tourists and to its citizens in culture and beauty, so it is important that they consider their air pollution issues now to help keep the environment healthy for them and their visitors. What are some of the air pollution issues that Malaysia is dealing with?
]]> The economy of Malaysia is largely dependent upon manufacturing. These industries and factories are a large contributor to the air pollution issue in Malaysia. Their high level of manufacturing contributes to the air pollution in the form of chemicals, dust, organic, and inorganic pollutants being released into the air. Depending upon the industry under discussion, the pollutants are different. No matter what type of pollutant is released, it has an effect, either good or bad (mostly bad), upon the environment.Over the last decade, the number of cars that are driven in Malaysia has doubled. This has also helped to add to the air pollution problem. The amount of air pollution that is released by the modes of transportation is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, which are a large contributor to air pollution around the world.
Public transportation is much more environmentally friendly than driving your private car, simply because more people can travel on the public transportation than in the car. Even carpooling can help to decrease the amount of pollution that is released, simply because there are fewer cars on the road. By making changes in your driving habits, you can help to decrease the amount of pollution that you and your family release into the air via your vehicle.
Power plants are another pollution source in Malaysia, as well as in other parts of the world. Most of the energy in Malaysia is made using fossil fuels, including coal, oil, or natural gas. These fossil fuels release pollutants into the air when they burn, which causes environmental and health problems. Although Malaysia is beginning to see the need for hydroelectric power plants that are more environmentally friendly, approximately eight-six percent of the power is made by the more conventional power plants that burn fossil fuels, which is why more needs to be done.
From everyday activities like driving, mowing the lawn, and chemical usage to power plants to manufacturing, each of these things have an effect upon the air pollution in Malaysia. Reading a journal about air pollution in Malaysia will enable you to learn more about the different sources of air pollution and the different ways that Malaysians are trying to decrease the air pollution. This knowledge is the key to decreasing air pollution across the world, in Malaysia, and in your own area.
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The Mexico City air pollution problem is being worked on, but not fast enough for the health of the people. Even buildings, highways streets and sidewalks suffer from the bad air pollution found in Mexico City. The government is working on improving Mexico City's air quality through education and regulation. The use of air filters and purifiers will help too.
Air pollution is a problem that can be found in all different areas of the world, from the most industrialized to the least. Over the span of one generation, Mexico City has gone from one of the areas with the cleanest air to one of the most polluted cities. Mexico City air pollution can be attributed to many different factors, including the geography of the area, the industries that are in and around the area, and the habits of the people that live in and around Mexico City. By learning more about the causes of Mexico City air pollution, solutions can be found to help decrease the amount of pollution that is released into the air.
]]> The geography of Mexico City has a big impact upon the way that pollution affects the city and its citizens. Mexico City is located in a bowl-shaped valley, surrounded by mountains. This geography helps trap the pollution in the area, rather than allowing them to dissipate. With thirty-six thousand factories and three and a half million cars there is a lot of pollution to collect in the beautiful valley. Consequently, the pollution levels become higher and higher with long-lasting health and environmental effects. The geography of Mexico City is not the only problem, however.The previously mentioned factories and industries are major offenders when it comes to air pollution, simply due to their wide use of fossil fuels to keep the industries going. The particulates that are released by the different industries and factories are small enough to get trapped in the lungs, which causes severe health problems for the citizens and visitors, whether they have an existing health condition or not. In fact, one study has found that approximately 6,400 people die each year from particulate exposure in the Mexico City metro area.
The citizens in Mexico City are responsible for a significant part of the air pollution as well. The millions of cars that are driven in the city release quite a bit of pollution into the air, which exacerbates the health problems of the citizens and the impact upon the environment. If thirty percent of the 3.5 million cars in the valley are at least twenty years old, you can see why pollution is a problem. These older cars were not made as environmentally friendly as newer cars, which make them more of a pollution issue. Even the fuels used in Mexico contribute to the pollution problem. All of the driving comes together with the industry pollution and the geography to make Mexico City one of the most polluted places in the world.
What is being done about the Mexico City air pollution? Getting the knowledge to the Mexican people is one of the most important steps that is being worked on. By helping the citizens to realize that the pollution, as well as the health problems that are associated with the pollution, is preventable, they are beginning to make changes.
Government regulations are being made to help reduce the pollution that is released by industries and factories. Through changing manufacturing processes to be less polluting and by adding air filters and purifiers to smokestacks, improved air quality is sure to follow. More will need to be done to help break the dependence that Mexico City has upon the use of fossil fuels for long-lasting changes to occur, however.
Mexico City air pollution is a problem that demands attention. Without the proper knowledge and action being taken, it will continue to worsen, causing even more health and environmental impacts.
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Environmental issues happen on many fronts and in many ways. Cigarette smoke air pollution has typically been considered a health concern, but it's a bigger concern than the focus has been. Sometimes interior air pollution is worse for people than exterior air pollution, but in some areas that may be a close tie because of the heavy smoking. When there are many sources of air pollution to contend with, manage the ones you have control over. Cigarette smoke is one of those issues.
Everyone knows that cigarettes are bad for your health, but did you also know that they have a big effect upon air pollution? Studies in Italy have shown that cigarette smoke air pollution emissions could be as much as ten times greater than emissions from diesel car exhaust. This is a huge concern for Italian authorities that has far reaching ramifications for countries all over the world. Most people assume that this pollution would just be concentrated inside of homes and other buildings, but it can also impact the air outside as well.
]]> Of course, cars have seen great improvements in the amount of pollution that they release into the air over the last couple of decades, so this could be part of the reason why cigarettes smoke air pollution has overtaken pollution that is release by diesel cars. This study still shows people all over the world that cigarette smoke can be a huge problem for the air that we breathe each and everyday. It needs to be taken seriously to help decrease the impact that it has upon the environment and the health of people all around the world.Most people understand that secondhand smoke can cause allergic symptoms and symptom of irritation in some people, as well as lead to cancer and other severe ailments. Cigarette smoke causes several different physical symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and tightness of the chest. Dealing with cigarette smoke is helpful in situations where you can't change the situation, but where you can go for it!
Asthmatics may find cigarette smoke causes a severe asthma attack, which is dangerous and must be treated. Whether you are an asthmatic, have allergies, or are just simple sensitive to cigarette smoke, you will find that it is important to you to stay away from areas that have large concentrations of cigarette smoke, both inside and outside.
Cigarette smoke air pollution is predominantly made up of particulate matter, which is especially dangerous to those who suffer from allergies and asthma. These particulates can combine with other particulates causing severe environmental problems and issues, including smog and more. Particulate matter can also cause other environmental problems, including water pollution, because it tends to end up in water sources due to settlement and runoff.
Studies differ on the amount of impact that cigarette smoke has on the air pollution issue, from the Italian study which has it at a high impact to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that claims that cigarette smoke has very little effect upon air pollution. No matter which study you decide to put your trust in, you want to remember that any effect is a bad one.
Whether the cigarette smoke air pollution is a large issue or a small issue, any pollution is bad. That should be enough for you to do your part in reducing the amount of cigarette pollution we all have to deal with.
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Air filters have been around for a long time. And once in awhile a new approach to an old technology can make for a better air filter to improve the air quality by making clean air for your home or office. OdorKlenze may be such a product.
OdorKlenz(TM) is an odor elimination technology patented by Nanoscale Corp. of Manhattan, Kansas. OdorKlenz is offered in two formulations, one for deodorizing air and the other for use on surfaces. It works by binding the chemicals that cause odors to oxides of common metals such as aluminum, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and not-so-common metals such as titanium and cerium. The company refers to these oxides collectively as "Earth minerals", which indeed they are.
]]> The use of such oxides to eliminate odors is not new. What's new in OdorKlenz is its use of nanotechnology to vastly improve the odor-eating ability of metal oxides. Nanoscale Corp. uses a proprietary method to produce reactive nanoparticles of metal oxides. A nanoparticle's diameter is measured in nanometers, or one-billionth of a meter.Some environmentalists have concerns about potential health effects of "nanoparticle" in general, thinking their size makes them more easily dispersed and capable of being inhaled deeply. But in fact, each particle is not necessarily nano-scale itself; indeed, reactive nanoparticles may be fused together into relatively large pellets, or even bound up in a cream base for use as a sunscreen. The surface of each particle is punctuated by pores on the order of 2 to 50 nanometers in diameter. The more pores a surface has, the greater its surface area. More surface area means more material comes into contact with the odor-causing molecules it is designed to destroy. Thus, smaller volumes of reactive nanoparticles may be used to eliminate the same volume of odor-causing materials, or the same volume of nanoparticles will last longer in odor-eating use.
OdorKlenz-Air is a pelletized form of reactive nanoparticles used in air filtration systems. OdorKlenz-S comes in a variety of forms suitable for deodorizing surfaces ranging from food preparation counters to morticians' tables.
NanoScale Corp. was originally a spinoff of Kansas State University. Its mission was to develop practical applications of nanotechnology discoveries made the university. NanoScale's early products were decontamination and biological warfare countermeasures developed for the government. Today, the company also offers industrial clean-up and consumer-oriented products.
In addition to OdorKlenz, NanoScale offers broad-spectrum hazardous chemical containment technology known as FAST-ACT. Available in a variety of quantities and particle sizes, FAST-ACT can be sprayed from a device like a fire extinguisher, sprinkled on a spill from a shaker, or shoveled from a bucket. The reactive nanoparticle technology is the same: put more molecules of hazardous material in contact with neutralizing metal oxides.
NanoScale Corp. has become a leader in nanotechnology and Kanas economic development Bill Sanford, president and chief executive officer of NanoScale Corp., is vice chairman of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, which has helped bring more than 2,800 high-tech jobs to the state. NanoScale is also a member of the National Defense Industrial Association and the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Industry Group. The firm has won numerous awards for its technical innovation and economic development contributions. Clearly, Nanoscale Corp. is a positive contributor to the exciting field of nanotechnology, and a producer of high-value products for government, military, first responder, and consumer use.
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Heart disease and air pollution have been linked in some studies. If you have heart disease and live in a polluted area, consider doing your exercise indoors in a room that has an air filter or outdoors when air quality is better and clean air is more plentiful.
When you are diagnosed with heart disease, the most common recommendation that is made by healthcare providers is to get enough exercise. Unfortunately, however, it may not be a good idea to exercise outside as some studies have found. Air pollution is a huge issue in many urban and suburban areas around the world that harms the environment and causes breathing problems, but it may cause other issues as well. A study has found that patients that have heart disease may need to refrain from exercising outdoors in areas of a high concentration of air pollution.
]]> Why is this? A research study that was conducted in Europe found that the particulates that are found in diesel exhaust reduces an anti-clotting substance that is in the blood, which causes a significant impact in blood flow to the heart and the oxygen levels. This can restrict the blood supply to the heart and body, especially during exercise. Any of these effects can cause a heart attack or possibly even be fatal.Heart disease makes the body even more susceptible to problems with blood flow, due to existing damage in the body. That is why it is important to find ways to get your exercise without exposing yourself to air pollution. This means that you may have to get your exercise indoors or you may have to avoid exercising during times of high pollution. Keeping your blood vessels and circulatory system as healthy as possible is essential to preventing heart attacks and strokes.
A research study that examined the heart while exercising found that the heart was under great strain when exercising in areas of high air pollution. This is due to the fact that the heart does not get enough oxygen because of the narrowing of the blood vessels that leads to the heart. This strain can cause heart damage, a heart attack, or even death, simply because it is not working as efficiently as it needs to.
Women are more susceptible to the heart effects of air pollution, simply because their blood vessels are smaller. This makes it even more essential that they be concerned with the effects of air pollution upon their heart and their general health. Long-term exposure to air pollution through exercising outside can decrease the size of the blood vessels making it more difficult for blood and oxygen to flow properly through the body.
In the United States, almost 16 million people suffer from heart disease, which is why this research is so very important. It can make a big difference in the number of fatalities that are directly linked to heart disease. By being cautious exercising in high pollution areas, you can help to keep your heart healthier, so that you will not have any long-term health effects. Exercise is important, so it needs to be done, but you may need to do it in a safer environment to help keep your body and your heart healthy.
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Air pollution in China is worse than a decade ago. And the air quality degrades daily. It's going to be some time before clean air and direct sunshine are common across China. The Chinese government is working towards various solutions, but until then citizens and tourists alike won't breathe fresh air.
Air pollution is a problem all over the world, but China is has a worse problem than most. Air pollution in China has continued to increase over the last decade, most predominantly due to both their dependence upon coal-burning plants and factories, and their increased number of vehicles. Air quality in China is abysmal.
]]> This pollution is not just affecting China, however. It is also affecting countries as far away as the United States, which is why attention needs to be given to this issue, not just for the Chinese people, but also for people around the world. What are some affects of the air pollution in China?For the Chinese people, and for others who are exposed to the air pollution, there are some severe health affects. These include lung problems, including cancer of the lungs, emphysema, and bronchitis, as well as other illnesses. These illnesses strike every age of person in China, from the very young to the very old. Cancer has become to leading cause of death in China and this fact is largely due to the air pollution problem that they are having due to their industrial revolution.
The drinking water in China is also being affected by the air pollution. The air pollution causes acid rain, which travels into water sources all over the country, leaving them unfit for human consumption. This has caused almost 500 million people to be without access to clean drinking water, which is a health concern.
The European Union estimates that only one percent of the people that live in the cities in China breathe clean and healthy air. This means that almost 560 million people live and breathe polluted air each and every day; that causes health problems. The increase in health problems causes increased health costs and undue pressure upon the health system of the country.
The Chinese have seen an increase in their standard of living due to the coal-burning plants and factories that are located all over the country. Unfortunately, this burning of coal comes with its own problems, including the release of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the air. The release of these pollutants falls as acid rain on cities all over China and is thought to be a major contributor to the large level of particulate pollution in cities as far away as Los Angeles.
Local pollution is also a problem for China. The causes for this are numerous, but some of the most common pollutants that are found are lead, sulfur, ash, and mercury. Each of these pollutants can cause a plethora of different health problems for infants up to the elderly.
What is being done about the air pollution in China? While the Chinese government realizes that something needs to be done, they are unsure of exactly where to start. They have set regulations for new vehicles to help cut down on the car pollution that is released. Some cities have actually outlawed motorbikes because they are such polluters. But the Chinese dependence upon coal is still causing them significant issues. With the steady increase in population and the dependence upon the coal as an energy source, it is going to take some significant changes for a difference to be made. The Chinese are working towards that goal, but it may not happen quickly enough to make a difference and that is what strikes fear in most environmentalists.
Air pollution in China is a huge problem. And it will probably get worse before it gets better. Air quality is worse each year. Fresh air, even in the country, is a rare event. But the government is aware of the problem and is working towards a solution.
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An air filter business opportunity, like EcoQuest air filters, may get you into hot water rather than into income and clean air. Be aware of any business opportunity that makes claims that can't be legally or medically proven, at least if you aren't an attorney or doctor. Reducing air pollution is important to our health. False claims may be bad for your health. Proceed with caution before getting into any business opportunity.
EcoQuest Intl. is a manufacturer of consumer products headquartered in Greenville, Tenn. EcoQuest is best known for the line of air filtration products that it acquired from Alpine Industries at the time of EcoQuest's founding in 1999. EcoQuest also makes or markets water purification systems; skin and hair care products; bath and tooth care products; nutrition products; and household cleaners.
]]> But EcoQuest's principal product is its business opportunity: a multi-level marketing plan in which independent distributors earn commissions on their own sales of products and a portion of commissions earned by other distributors recruited by themselves or their recruits and indirect recruits. EcoQuest's mission statement discusses the business opportunity first and repeatedly; products are the fifth subtopic mentioned.Curiously, "EcoQuest has committed that all we do be done for the glory of God" is the sixth subtopic, although no additional explanation is provided. Various reports characterize EcoQuest as an "evangelical Christian business". Looking at some Web sites of EcoQuest distributors, it appears they espouse "evangelical ecology", arguing that good stewardship of one's personal environment -- with the aid of EcoQuest products, of course -- is God's Will.
It is debatable whether deceptive advertising is God's Will, too. EcoQuest and Alpine Industries were the subjects of a 2000 Federal Trade Commission civil action seeking to prohibit unsubstantiated health claims made by the companies and their distributors for their air purification systems. Today, EcoQuest air purifiers bear labels that essentially disclaim any claim that they will do anything:
"University testing demonstrates the ability of EcoQuest's ActivePure technology to substantially reduce microbial populations on surfaces. Field results may vary based on environmental conditions."
A Google search for "ecoquest god" (in pursuit of an evangelical Christian connection) yields one high-ranking entry for www.ecoquestblog.com, whose brief Google description reads in part, "God has blessed EcoQuest because it is neighbors helping neighbors." But the URL does not lead to a blog. Instead, it redirects Web browsers to eBay search results for "ecoquest air purifier" auctions. To paraphrase Albert Einstein, God does not play bait-and-switch with the Universe.
An EcoQuest business opportunity costs approximately $2,500. Convenient financing is available through Best Finance, Inc. -- which is owned by EcoQuest founder Michael Jackson (no, not the singer). Through these two companies, Jackson apparently collects interest on loans made to distributors to purchase his products, even after the products are returned to him. Here is what can happen, in the words of former EcoQuest distributor "Ludmilla" in Cote-de-St.-Luc, Quebec:
"When I returned those ($2500 worth of) purifiers in July '06, which costs me another $99.00, not only the credit was 25 percent less than the price I originally paid, there was an interest charged on the money and in the end the company hired a collection agency also in July '06 -- asking me still for $2,085.29 US despite of the fact that they have their credit for the merchandise and despite of the fact that I already paid $818.15."
If all this is God's Will, then He must have a wicked sense of humor. EcoQuest air filters may be fine filters, but they may be at a price more than you are willing to pay.
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Urban air pollution is a problem for not only people in the region but also for everyone on the planet. Air doesn't stay in one place, it moves around dramatically, carried by the winds. So even though geography can impact air pollution in an area, the activities of everyone near and far can also impact it. Urban air pollution is everyone's problem.
If you live in an urban area, chances are that you have seen the affects of air pollution first-hand. Urban air pollution is the cause of many environmental impacts, including smog and acid rain, but there are other effects on the people that are living in these conditions that are far-reaching as well. These effects can include asthma, respiratory problems, cancer, and possibly even death. The thing to remember is that there are many things involved in creating urban air pollution. By knowing about the contributing factors, you can help do your part in decreasing air pollution in your urban environment.
]]> The location of the city or urban area can have an effect on the air pollution. Some cities, like Los Angeles, Denver, Manila, and Mexico City, are located in a depression or bowl-like area -- surrounded on all sides by mountains or hills. This causes the pollutants to get trapped, unless the wind is just right, exacerbating the air pollution problem because the pollution can't dissipate.This combination of influences causes some very high pollution days in these cities, which is hard on people and the environment. With nature working against the problem, people have to work harder to decrease the amount of pollutants and particulates in the air, decreasing the problem for the inhabitants and visitors.
The pollutants come from several different sources including power plants, industry, traffic, and man's activities. Controlling the power plants and industry's pollution requires stricter regulations by the government, as well as support from the citizens. Traffic pollution can be something that all of us can definitely work on reducing. People can uses mass transit, carpool, walk, ride a bike, drive a more environmentally friendly car, and drive less by combining errands more.. People can also chooses to buy locally grown foods and locally produced products, thereby reducing the amount of transportation required to get items to market. It will take changes in our mind sets, but the changes can be well worth the impact that you can make on the environment on an ongoing basis.
Other contributions to urban air pollution are electricity generation, heating by burning fossil fuels and plant or animal material. Dirt and ash blown in from other areas contributes to urban air pollution too, and that's not something we have much control over, but it's still a factor.
Urban air pollution is a significant problem all around the world. By accepting this fact as reality and learning more about your part in it, you can begin to make changes in your life, your mindset, and your little corner of the world. Consider what you can do to help decrease the air pollution. Future generations will thank you for it.
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The solution to air pollution isn't simple, just as the cause of air pollution isn't simple. Some of the problem lies with people, and some lies with nature. Given the complexity of the problem, taking a multi-pronged approach to reducing air pollution so we can improve air quality and breathe clean air is important.
Many organizations claim to have "the" solution to air pollution, but there is not just one magic solution to take care of this issue. Air pollution is a complex issue that is caused from many different things, so it will need to be dealt with in many different ways for proper attention and care. The solution is dependent upon the type of pollution, the part of the country, and the amount of pollution in the air. By combining all of these factors, an air pollution plan can be made to help decrease the release and effects of the pollution in the air.
]]> Where do you start? First, begin your quest to help in the solution to air pollution by learning more about the pollution in the area where you live. Air pollution can be caused by many different things, including industries, power plants, and manufacturing plants. By learning more about what is causing the air pollution in your town or area, you can begin to make changes in your own life and support organizations and companies that work to make changes in policies governing these larger organizations that release pollution into the air.Now that you know what you are fighting against, you may need to make some lifestyle changes in your own life. This may include driving less, because automobiles and other transportation sources contribute heavily to air pollution. It may include reevaluating your use of certain chemicals, sprays, and paints. Consider what you do to see where you may be able to make changes to help you and your family become part of the solution to air pollution.
Why should you want to become a solution to air pollution? The health of you and your family should be a major reason for you to be concerned about air pollution. Respiratory problems, including asthma, have become much more prevalent in the world and most experts claim that this increase is due to the fact that air pollution is such a major problem. The environmental impacts are quite large as well, including global warming, changes in weather patterns, and more. Some of the affects may not even be known about right now, because they are still building and growing. That is quite scary to think about, which is why it is so important that we all find ways to become part of the solution to air pollution.
Everyone from young to old should be learning more about the world in which they live, including the air pollution problem. Knowledge is essential in making changes in lifestyle and product usage, so that you can make a difference in the air pollution. It is not something that can be done alone, however, which is why it is important that you help spread the word about air pollution, so that you can make a difference in the air pollution and in the future lives of our children and grandchildren, as well as the environment.
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Air pollution problems seem to be changing and growing. The EPA indicates air pollution is less today than even a few years ago, but breathing problems are increasing. Air pollution info is just the spring board to action so you can improve air quality in your home, office and neighborhood.
Air pollution information is generally either educational or actionable. That is, there is air pollution info that helps you understand the nature, causes, hazards, and politics of air pollution; or air pollution information about current local conditions to which you need to respond right now.
]]> Non-profit organizations such as Clear The Air are excellent sources of educational air pollution information. From Clear The Air's Web site, you can get air pollution info about power plants, acid rain, and other sources. You can learn about the causes and dynamics of global warming and climate change. On the political front, you'll see what changes are being proposed to clean air standards and how air pollution information is gathered. You’ll also find contacts in over 400 U. S. cities that have banded together to fight global warming and provide local air pollution info.The UK National Air Quality Archive provides air pollution information specific to the United Kingdom. Here Britons can find actionable air pollution info: 24-hour air quality summaries; current air pollution levels; and forecasts. The reports are localized by region, providing air pollution info useful to individuals. The site also provides education air pollution information.
In the United States, general educational air pollution information is disseminated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which also administers and enforces the Clean Air Act. The EPA's major enforcement tools are three types of permits for specific amounts of pollutants that cause acid rain, new air pollution source construction, and operations of existing air pollution sources. The EPA also operates the AirNow For Kids Web site, providing air pollution information geared for children ages 7-10, and even for kindergarten and preschool kids.
State and local governments provide more specific actionable air pollution info, including air quality monitoring and public alert systems. These resources are usually incorporated in local weather forecasts and news media. The underlying scientific data is often available via state and local government Web sites, providing air pollution information useful in political and legal as well as self-protection actions. Air pollution info may be found on government Web sites under public health, environmental health, air quality, or air pollution control departments.
Non-profit organizations often provide air pollution info concerning at-risk populations, particular air pollutants, air polluting industries, or even specific point sources of air pollution such as a factory or power plant. A Google search for "air pollution" and a phrase describing your particular interest may result in several useful sources of air pollution information. For example, "air pollutios" and "autism" leads to information on a potential link between air pollution and autism from the Autismvox.com site.
The overwhelming abundance of air pollution information often makes it difficult to find the specific air pollution info that you want. It helps to start with educational air pollution information sources, then narrow it down to the specific pollutant, location, or population that concerns you. Once you learn the background of your air pollution issue, actionable air pollution info is just a few more keystrokes away.
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