The average human inhales approximately 20,000 times per day. Every time we breathe air in we inhale vital oxygen that is absorbed into our blood stream. It provides us with about 60% of the energy that we require every day. Did you know though that the air we breathe and take for granted is highly contaminated by unseen particles and gasses that we cannot taste or smell? The fact is, the air all around us is to some degree toxic.
Since the 1970’s many studies have been performed and laws have been enacted to regulate and monitor certain particles and vapors. One study from 2005, published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, estimated that 800,000 people die prematurely every year, world wide, from air pollution. Urban areas and countries on the Asian continent, specifically, China, have the highest concentrations and are affected the worst.
Air pollution over China from satelite view
There are two types of Air pollution, Out Door and Indoor. Indoor Air Pollution is generally 10% higher than outside. In countries like America, indoor air pollution is rated the highest. Things like pressed wood furniture, cleaning chemicals and emissions from attached garages are the highest contributors. World wide, the main causes of indoor air pollution are radon (a colorless and radioactive gas), mold, mildew, smoke and outside air that has been trapped inside.
Outdoor air pollution happens naturally, but in miniscule amounts. Amounts that have been detrimentally exaggerated by industry and general human practice. Out door air pollution contains particular matter (microscopic particles) from soot and burned material that is inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Noxious gases from chemical vapors are largely attributed to the air pollution that surrounds us today. Gases like Sulfur Dioxide that when mixed with water create acid and is spread around the world by rain and snow.
The most detrimental gasses to the environment and our health are carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The carbon dioxide comes from burning fuels. It traps heat close to the ground and is believed to be contributing a factor to global warming. Nitrogen is found naturally, but when it is altered it creates a vapor that is very harmful. It is believed to be a large cause of smog and when it is mixed with sunlight it produces ground ozone (too heavy to float). A recent study done by Berkley suggests that a 10 ppb (parts per billion) increase results in an increased premature death rate of 4%. On a worldwide level that affects 7.7 million people.
More research is needed to determine an overall cure and the long-term effects for air pollution. The agencies regulating the release of particles and vapors into the air have had a small effect in recent years. In some areas the noxious gases have been reduced. The biggest problem is that not all areas are regulated and some countries have no laws or agency that regulates or monitors air pollution at all.
This is so true, I know our world around us has a lot of problems, to me one of the worst is all the chemicals that farmers put in the ground Mo. is the no one place for lung cancer which is caused by chemicals frome farming and smoking,when you have seen two liters of yellow fluid drained from peoples lungs you start seeing what our kids and their kids have to face.The natural way of farming was always the best. Man will destroy themselves.