Beware of the invisible killer called air pollution. It gets into our bodies as we unknowingly inhale its microscopic ammunition, gradually damaging our organs and tissues until they cease to function.
There are many contributing factors to air pollution which stem from human activities. Our dependence on fossil fuels is number one on the list. We burn fossil fuel round the clock for electricity and to run cargo and passenger vehicles. We also use it to power industrial equipment like factories and construction machinery, as well as our home appliances like the gas range, heater and air-conditioning system, to name a few.
Smoking cigarettes is another major cause of air pollution. In fact, studies on the global effect of tobacco showed that cigarettes produce higher levels of particulate matter than a diesel car's exhaust. Our very own hands are responsible for producing the killer that is now taking a toll on our health and environment.
How Do Air Pollutants Affect Your Health?
Air pollution remains to be one of the world's biggest problems as it takes millions of lives each year. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) data revealed that around seven million people worldwide die annually due to air pollution exposure.
High levels of air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and radon, among many others, are found to trigger simple ailments to serious medical conditions such as the following:
- Cancer
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Stroke
- Acute respiratory infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infertility
- Cognitive impairment
- Blood clots
How to Protect Your Health From Air Pollution
Cleaning the air quality we breathe requires global efforts and collaboration, but we can start with simple, sustainable ways. If you're all for eradicating air pollution and the diseases it brings, consider minimising the use of fossil fuel by doing the following:
Improve ventilation
Rearrange your furniture at home and open the windows to allow air to flow freely in and out. Check for cracks in the floors and walls and fix them immediately to prevent radon from penetrating your home.
Quit smoking
As you know by now, the smoke emitted by a burning cigarette is just as poisonous as the carbon monoxide blown out from the muffler of a car. Better quit now to protect your health and your loved ones' rather than be sorry tomorrow.
Shift to a Renewable Energy Source
Introduce solar panels to your home and generate electricity directly from the sun to reduce fossil fuel burning. The installation process may be expensive, but its long-term benefits outweigh the initial cost.
Consider Alternative Transportation
Giving up on the steering wheel and opting to be the passenger by taking public transportation is another great way to reduce fossil fuel combustion. Better yet, you can bike to your destination and improve your heart, lungs and overall circulatory system.
Air pollution is an ongoing problem that world leaders are trying to resolve. However, they couldn't possibly succeed without your cooperation and everybody else's.
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