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3 Surprising Effects Air Pollution Has on Your Body

  • Oct 16, 2018
  • 2 min read


The air pollution crisis is ongoing, and with more than 92% of the world’s population living in areas that exceed the levels deemed safe by the World Health Organization (WHO), the issue is a global one. 


While it’s common knowledge that poor air quality is damaging for both humans and the environment (and often the cause of potentially fatal conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and strokes), the same culprit is sometimes responsible for other, lesser-known health and behavioural problems.


Here, we reveal the unexpected medical issues that can occur as a result of polluted air.


Bad behaviour

Is your teen acting up more than usual? Do you live in an urban area that’s known for poor air quality? It’s entirely possible that the young adults in your house are showing bad behaviour as a result of worsening air quality. No, really.


A study featured in The Times found that unhealthy air causes bad behaviour in children and teens. Researchers have reported that young people residing in areas of poorer air quality would start to show signs of bad behaviour upon reaching adolescence. 


Irregular periods

Recent findings have indicated that air pollution can wreak havoc with female hormones, and thus cause irregular menstrual cycles – in teenage girls aged 14 to 18 especially. A new study has indicated that teen girls exposed to contaminated air will have a higher chance of menstrual irregularity, and will likely have a long wait to achieve a more stable cycle.


Author of the study, Shruthi Mahalingaiah, explained the research in more details in a story published by Science Daily. “While air pollution exposures have been linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, this study suggests there may be other systems, such as the reproductive endocrine system, that are affected as well,” she revealed.


Poor mental health

The impact of air pollution on the human body is also evident when it comes to mental health. A recent study carried out in Hong Kong had some shocking findings – poor air doesn’t just make those with mental health issues worse, but actually increases their risk of mortality.


Having analysed 10 years’ worth of data, researchers noted a strong link between smog and mortality in a story featured in The Guardian. The risk of death rose by 16% on the first day of haze, and on the 27% on the second day in comparison with normal days. In addition to this, on days when ozone pollution was present alongside the smog, the risk of death shot up by a staggering 79%.


Image courtesy of Daria Nepriakhina, Unsplash



Asthma in the Office: How to Work Around the Condition

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 1 min read



If you have asthma, it goes without saying that work can be a challenge. Often triggered by stress and anxiety, your symptoms can make a guest appearance when you really, really don’t need them to.


According to Asthma UK, 43% of people suffering with the respiratory condition say that their symptoms can cause them problems in the workplace. Here, we discuss three ways you can make your working day as symptom-free as possible. As for the stress? Well, that’s down to you.


Talk to colleagues

It’s important to inform the people you’re working with about your asthma. This ensures that they’ll know how to react if and when you have an asthma attack at work. So, be sure to inform your colleagues, managers and any first-aiders based at your workplace.


Remove triggers

If you know that certain triggers set your asthma off, discuss your requirements with your manager or HR personnel – they’ll make adjustments to ensure you’re comfortable. For instance, if you’re sensitive to dust, you’ll be given a well aired work space that gathers little dust.


Be prepared

Always have an inhaler with you at work, whether that means keeping one stashed in your desk drawer or in the pocket of your hi-vis jacket. You’ll be grateful if an attack strikes unexpectedly.


Image courtesy of Alvin Mahmudov, Unsplash



5 Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens Instantly

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 2 min read


Allergies are the medical equivalent of unexpected guests who don’t wait for an invitation, and tend to outstay their welcome. Stubborn, unforgiving and ultimately quite draining, allergies (and certain people) can have a negative impact on your life.


Indoor allergens are often responsible for many sufferers’ symptoms. You don’t have to skip through a field of flowers or work in a dusty environment to be affected by allergens, because actually, many of them are already in your home, making themselves comfortable and unlikely to leave any time soon. Remind you of anyone?


Now, we can’t do much about that neighbour who’s trying just a little too hard to be your friend, but we can do something about the other relentless presence in your home. Here, we round up five simple ways you can keep your house as allergen-free as possible.


Remove visible mold

If you’ve noticed patches of mold creeping up your basement or bathroom walls, it’s definitely time to do something about it. Mold and other fungi grow in moist, humid environments, and can be responsible for year-round allergy symptoms – so be assertive when it comes to removing dampness.


Swap your carpets

If you’re not a fan of square slates, don’t worry. You can swap your carpets for hardwood flooring in this instance. Allergens become attached to the fine fibres and are difficult to remove, while dust mites inhabit cosy, comfortable areas like carpets, curtains and other upholstery around your home.


Wash bedding frequently

Washing your bedding in hot water, and using high heat to dry it, will also help when it comes to battling it out with allergens inside the home. The high temperatures will ensure that any pesky particles will detach themselves from the material, and you can sleep easy at night. Try to clean your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.


Keep pets separate

Rather than saying goodbye to your beloved companions for good, why not try keeping them restricted to a specific area or room in the house? If your dog or cat has been outside, they’re likely to return to the house with particles on their fur. Avoid having animals in your bedroom, and keep them as clean as possible.


Invest in technology

By opting for an indoor air cleaner, such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) device, you’re instantly improving the quality of air in your home. Additionally, you can purchase an air quality tracker that not only detects the particles in your home, but identifies them as well. Sensio AIR is set to hit shelves next year – find out more about the innovative device here.


Sources

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/dust-mite-allergies.aspx

http://www.aafa.org/page/dust-mite-allergy.aspx


Image courtesy of Peter Raimann / Pixabay



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