Despite efforts to tackle childhood obesity in the US, it is still a major problem for many families. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, more than 15% of children aged between 10 and 17 are obese. So why, even with increased education and changes in legislation, are thousands of American children still dangerously […]
Air pollution affects us all, however children, in particular very young children, bear the real brunt of the air pollution burden. According to the WHO, more than 90% of the world’s children breathe toxic air every day. Air pollution affects fetal development, brain development, increases the risk of asthma and respiratory illness. Children exposed to […]
For the first time, a study from the American Thoracic Society looks at the effects of air pollution right across the country. Using data from 40 MILLION hospital visits across 869 counties, the team could clearly see an increase in ER visits when pollution levels were high. The study focused on the two major types […]
Let’s face it…. the office is not always our favorite place to be. We spend literally years of our life there. What happens at work has a huge effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. In short, our work environment matters. Offices, particularly new buildings, are sealed tight to ensure maximum energy efficiency. Air conditioning […]
We often discuss the link between high levels of air pollution and respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. But there are other, lesser known, lung conditions that are becoming more prevalent in cities with pollution problems. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis or HP is an immune system disorder that causes inflammation in the lungs. The connective tissue […]
We talked last week about ways you can protect yourself from outdoor air pollution. This week we’ll take a look at how, with a few changes around the home, we can reduce our exposure to indoor air pollutants that are often overlooked. Household cleaners, furnishings, pet dander, dust, pollen and inadequate ventilation can all contribute […]
The figures associated with air pollution are literally mind blowing. The global cost of air pollution is around $5.11 TRILLION every year. In 2016 it was estimated that around 7 million people die prematurely every year as a result of the air they breathe. The impact of air pollution on the global population is huge […]
We talked recently about the huge progress China has made cleaning up levels of Particulate Matter (PM2.5). But as PM levels have fallen, other types of air pollution are still a threat. This may explain why, despite BILLIONS of dollars spent, Chinese people are still dying at an alarming rate. It may also explain why […]
China has made great progress over the last few years to reduce air pollution levels. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has been reduced by an incredible 40%. However, progress in one area has inadvertently caused problems in another. This reduction in particulate matter has led to a dramatic increase in ground level ozone. Prior to […]
Winter Solstice has just passed, its midwinter with shorter days and longer nights. We spend most of our time indoors, trying to avoid the winter weather. And, to ensure we stay as warm as possible, we work to keep our homes well insulated and free from drafts. This is a great way to keep heating […]
