Minimizing air pollution exposure may help protect against cognitive decline
No author stated, From Focus on Healthy Aging, May 2012
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=GPS&userGroupName=hatterslib&tabID=T003&searchId=R2&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=5&contentSet=GALE%7CA288538931&&docId=GALE|A288538931&docType=GALE&role=SUIC
Picture Link: http://www.chestnet.org/accp/article/chest-physician/air-pollution-linked-strokes-reduced-cognition
Picture: This picture comes shows the X-rays of healthy lungs, which could be affected by heightened levels of air pollution. Summary: According to this article, lowering the levels of air pollution could keep cognitive decline (aging) at a normal pace. If the levels are higher, this process could be accelerated. Particles of air pollutants are classified as fine or coarse based on the size of the particles. Both classifications of particles can cause issues. They can cause heart, lung, and possibly brain issues. Heart attack risks can increase significantly after exposure to high levels of pollutants. To avoid issues with air pollutants, try to exercise indoors, or install an air filter inside your home.
Opinion/Reflection: This was really shocking to find out that exposure to air pollution can cause the aging process to accelerate in adults. Even though I'm not necessarily at the age at risk for these issues, it really makes me think what I could do to avoid exposure to these pollutants. Typically, I spend a very large amount of time outdoors exercising, and I had no idea what affects the pollution could have on me. Maybe I could try to do more exercise indoors as the article suggests.
Questions:
1. How could the size of a pollutant particle have a different effect on health?
2. What from the pollutants causes cognitive decline to accelerate? Explain.
3. What do you think of the suggestions that are made to avoid exposure to pollutants?
Opinion/Reflection: I found it strange that the air pollution can speed up the process of aging in adults. It also surprised me on all the health effects that can be caused by the air pollution. I believe that there should be a reduction of the pollution going out into the air. As I get older I am going to start exercising indoors more often, if the air pollution levels don’t go down.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to question: 3. what do you think of the suggestions that are made to avoid exposure to pollutants?
I think that they are good suggestions that were made to avoid the exposure to pollutants. I also believe that if people cared about their health, then they would follow the suggestions to stay away from the pollutants.
Opinion/ Reflection: I knew that air pollutants can have a serious effect on many aspects of human life but never, up until now, have I heard of it aging people quicker than usual. With this being said, the amount of time that I, and many other teenagers, spend outside should be limited although the task is hard. The more reasonable solution should be to reduce the amount of air pollution, this has been going on with things such as hybrid cars but many of the items are not available to everyday people. The prices of the eco-friendly materials are so much more than the ones that are polluting our environment so people are still using them. In order to dramatically reduce the amount of pollution found in the air the eco-friendly products have to be available to everyone.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to Question 1: When a particle is in between a diameter of 2.5 and 10 micrometers it can be inhaled and collect along the airways. Generally when a particle is greater than 10 micrometers it cannot be inhaled, but when a particle is less than a diameter of 2.5 it can go deep into the lungs creating many health problems such as lung cancer (as stated in Brandon’s article). A particle with a diameter that is less than .1 micrometers is the most problematic, these particles can be deposited anywhere in the respiratory tract. For more information of how the size of a pollutant particle can have an effect on the health:http://www.epa.gov/ord/ca/quick-finder/pm-health-particle.htm
Opinion/Reflection: This article sheds light on a serious problem our population is currently facing. Every breath we take causes our lungs to decline in health. The idea really is unnerving. Limiting our time outdoors is almost impossible. I spend plenty of time playing outside and enjoying the world. Recently, my family also installed air filters in our air conditioning system in order to limit the dust in our household. The price is terribly high to replace these filters. I'm sure many people aren't willing to shell out that kind of money.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1: I'm sure the different particles contribute to various problems in our lungs. Perhaps the larger, coarser particles irritate and tear at the walls of your lungs. The finer, grain like particles may build up and cause various health issues. The idea that I'm breathing these in right now is quite alarming.