Air Pollution

Just last week the list of the most hazardous cities in regards to air quality was released. Sadly, on the heels of that report, is a report that it may be far worse than originally expected.

Pollution levels have historically been calculated using sensors on the ground.  Because of a lack of resources and funding in many populated areas, a scientist decided to use satellite data to see if they could determine air pollution levels.  What they found is that particulates are 5 to 10 times higher than guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At this point, there is nothing reported about remedies to the situation.  More than likely, a cross section of scientists will look at the data, determine its statistical significance and evaluate future methods of measuring air quality.

In the meantime, be aware that the air might not be as clean as we think.

by Jennifer Jaykins

traffic is bad to your health… literally

A new study has found that those living near freeways or large roads with high levels of traffic are more likely to die earlier than someone living further away, according to Environmental Health News.

The study from University of California, Berkeley indicates that people with higher exposure to pollution from traffic were 20 percent more likely to die at any given time than those with low levels of exposure. The greatest risk appears to be death from heart disease. People with high exposure to traffic pollution showed a 40 percent increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. This is due to the high level of emissions from cars and trucks in the forms of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds.

The study tracked 2,300 people found through a respiratory disease clinic.  The study tracked their cause of death and compared that to pollution levels and where they lived.