Here’s some lesser known issues caused by air pollution. Various studies have linked air pollution to the following problems:
Stress
“Exposure to air pollutants in susceptible population can elicit epithlial barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, epigenetic change and immune imbalance which subsequently increases allergic disease morbidity. PM, particulate matter; DEP, diesel exhaust particle; PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; ETS, environmental tobacco smoke; HDM, house dust mite.”
Reference: Yoo, Young. (2016). Air pollution and childhood allergic disease. Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease. 4. 248. 10.4168/aard.2016.4.4.248.
Low productivity
Evidence suggests that pollution can reduce the productivity of individual workers. At the same time, environmental regulations are often considered to be a drag on the economy, as they can slow down production and lead to business closures and job losses, with resulting higher costs for consumers. Yet effective environmental regulations improve the air one breathes and the water one drinks, so those who keep their jobs are more likely to be healthier and more productive as a result. The extent to which these gains in worker productivity offset or even overcome the perceived negative effects of regulation is therefore an essential consideration for designing optimal environmental policy.
Reference: Air pollution and worker productivity Higher levels of air pollution reduce worker productivity, even when air quality is generally low. Matthew Neidell Columbia University, USA, and IZA, Germany
Brain-Fog
“A new study shows that poor indoor air quality is associated with subtle impairments in a number of cognitive functions, including our ability to concentrate and process information. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, tracked 302 office workers in commercial buildings in six countries — the US, Britain, China, India, Mexico and Thailand — for 12 months.” as mentioned in The Economic Times
Using a plant based air-purifier can help prevent the damage caused by these pollutants - and these purifiers can do it quickly. Are you curious about the AQI in your home or in your workspace? Get an AQI audit for your home today! Send an email to contact@urbanairlabs.com
Birth defects
“Early exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution is associated with childhood asthma. The effects of outdoor and indoor exposures are independent to each other. Both industry- and traffic-related air pollutants significantly increase the childhood asthma. Home renovation during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of childhood asthma.”
Reference: Effects of early life exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor renovation on childhood asthma in China Qihong Deng Chan Lu Cuiyun Ou Weiwei Liu
Here are some more serious health effects of air pollution:
Lung Cancer
Alzheimer's
Respiratory Disorders
Anxiety & Depression
Long-Term Organ Damage
Heart Diseases
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