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Link Possible Between Traffic Air Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes in Women

June 21st, 2010 . Posted in Air Quality, Everything, Health | No Comments »
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You don’t need us to tell you that smog is bad for you – but now a new study offers the possible link between traffic air pollution and type 2 diabetes in women. Yet another serious concern where it comes to wanting to breathe clean air for better health!

traffic pollution

traffic pollution

It is known that traffic air pollution raises one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. But now it may also increase a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. German researchers have found a possible connection in their studies.

Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, appearing online prior to the printed edition, their study of German women living in very polluted industrial areas versus those in rural areas with less pollution. Researchers analyzed data from 1,775 women between 54 or 55 years old as they began the study in 1985. By 1990 through 2006, 187 women were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This disease is most often known to start in middle age. The air pollution data was gathered from local environmental agencies to gage women’s pollution exposure amounts.

Now more than ever it seems we must encourage the fight for clean air. For not only women’s health, but for everyone. This latest study simply shows that there are more possible risks than the ones we are currently aware of. Leading us to consider that there may be even more risks to worry about – ones that we just haven’t discovered yet. A frightening thought indeed! It’s time we all breathed cleaner air and enjoyed a great quality of life.

An exposure to traffic pollution components, especially nitrogen dioxide and soot in ambient fine particulate matter seemed to offer a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Women living within 100 meters of busy roads more than doubled their chances of developing diabetes.

Start enjoying a greater quality of life by doing your part to live green with your car. Even if you can’t afford a hybrid or electric vehicle right now, there are things you can do with your car that can help you live greener and will improve traffic air pollution. While you may shrug your shoulders and say, “But I’m just one person……” If every person does their part, this can have a great impact. Your playing your part will make a difference and can even inspire others in your life to play their part too!

traffic pollution

traffic pollution

Keep your car well maintained. Traffic air pollution and exhaust often happen when a car is not running properly. Take your car in for regular maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups.

Join a car pool for work. This is one of the best things you can do. You’ll save money on gas and can even do some networking. Commuting to work together saves gas and is very easy and convenient. Even if you do it a few times a week, it will help to save gas.

Group errands by location. Doing this means you won’t run all over your city or county trying to get everything done. You’ll save on gas and you’ll save time. It’s a win-win deal all around!

Practice walking or biking for shorter errands or chores. There are some things you use your car for that you could probably walk or bike for. Going to the store for milk or picking up a copy of the newspaper. This is great exercise and you’ll save on gas and wear and tear.

Source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/study-suggests-link-between-air-pollution-and-type-2-diabetes-in-women

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EPA Awards 10th Annual Clean Excellence Awards

May 22nd, 2010 . Posted in Air Quality, Environmental, Everything | No Comments »
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present their 10th annual Clean Air Excellence Awards for 2009. They will honor 14 organizations and an individual that have reduced pollution, promoted environmental education and created green products and jobs in the U.S.A..

Clean Air Excellence Awards

Clean Air Excellence Awards

It is exciting to see people and organizations honored for their efforts to help keep air clean. Knowing that they make a difference in the air we breathe means a lot. A single person can make an effort – and that one person can help so many breathe a lot easier. It is a profound thought to realize just how much these fifteen honorees have done for the U.S.A. – and beyond to help others enjoy the fine benefits of clean air.

The 2009 award winners were chosen from 124 applicants. They come from several categories: clean air technology, education/outreach, regulatory policy, innovation and transportation efficiency. Additionally two special awards will be given for outstanding individual achievement and overall environmental excellence.

The two additional awards are:

The Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award. Given to one individual for outstanding achievement, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to promoting clean air and helping with better air quality.

Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award. This award recognizes an outstanding project or program for environmental excellence in one of five award categories (i.e., clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, regulatory/policy innovations, and transportation efficiency innovations.)

Congratulations to the award winners and thank you for all you have done to help others breathe clean air and to lead greener lives. You have made a great difference!

Source: http://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/clean_award.html

Iceland Volcano Eruptions Had Little Effect on Air Quality

May 5th, 2010 . Posted in Air Quality, Environmental, Everything | No Comments »
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When a volcanic eruption occurs, it can cause air pollution and this has many people worried. Volcanoes can release massive quantities of sulphur dioxide. This can then lead to acid rain and ash or volcanic aerosol which are known to bring volcanic pollution for many miles (into the thousands).

Eyjafyallajokull volcanoAccording to the European Environmental Agency, the Iceland volcano has been monitored and its effects on air pollution. This agency states that air quality has not been impacted due to the eruptions. But in Iceland, concentrations of particulate matter are higher than normal, which can be harmful to both people and animals according to the Icelandic Directorate of Health. The Icelandic Directorate of Health keeps track of pollution levels.

The potential volcanic debris and pollution will continue to be analyzed in Europe. The current weather of both rain and snow may help to remove what currently exists. Analyzing this data will take time and information will continue to be gathered for Europe. People are encouraged to check with their local centers for air quality information.

Today we don’t tend to think of volcanoes erupting but they do. For those who live near a volcano it is something to think about. Those who live in Washington State near Mount St. Helen likely remember her eruption in 1980. While this eruption was tracked and the volcano has been monitored for years, lives were still lost. Volcanoes are powerful and by nature, quite unpredictable.

The volcano in Iceland located under the Eyjafyallajokull glacier erupted a 3.7-mile shot of ash. This unique incident halted most flights through northern Europe for two weeks. The glacier erupted ash and smoke from under the glacier.

According to Reuteurs.com, a scientist stated the eruption was 10 times more powerful than one that happened last month, though the two eruptions could be considered part of the very same event. The earlier eruption existed on the flank of the volcano.

Volcanoes exist all over the world today. The gases and ash existing in volcanoes can greatly affect air quality, making it difficult for people to breathe and sometimes even to survive. Here are some of the largest volcanoes you can see:

Mount Mazama/Crater Lake in Oregon. This volcano was named after it erupted 6,000 years ago. Once it was 12,000 feet high but after the explosion now all the exists was a 1,900 foot crater otherwise known as Crater Lake. Mount Mazama/Crater Lake was designated a National Park in 1902.

Mount Etna, Sicily. This is a very active volcano in Europe today. One of the most recent eruptions occurred in December 1991.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy. Many have heard of the great volcano Vesuvius. The greatest eruption covered the city of Pompeii and the city of Herculaneum in 79 A.D.. Today the volcano is active with the last deadly eruption occurring in 1631.

Mount Tambora, Indonesia. This is considered the “deadliest volcano” in history. When it erupted in April 1815, 92,000 people died.

To help improve the air quality in your own home, you should consider buying a HEPA air purifier. Rabbit Air makes stylish and functional units.

This Year Brings More Pollen Than Ever to the NorthEast

April 17th, 2010 . Posted in Air Quality, Everything, Health | 1 Comment »
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Be prepared to sneeze, sniffle and wheeze if you aren’t already. This year’s pollen allergy season is considered one of the worst scientists have seen. With 40 million Americans suffering from indoor/outdoor allergies, that’s a lot of people reaching for the antihistamine or tissues all at once. If you’re in the NorthEast especially, the pollen is probably a bit uncomfortable for you who have pollen allergies and asthma.

To blame for all this pollen is our weather this year. We’ve had cool temperatures in February and March which has kept flowering trees from starting to do their pollination. As you may have noticed now, it seems like spring is busting out all over? That’s because everything seems to have bloomed overnight. Well it did!

bee collecting pollenSome may think their antihistamine or other allergy medicine “isn’t working” but that’s not necessarily the case. This is just a lot of pollen for their medication to manage all at once. It’s like saying a 12 ounce cup doesn’t work as a cup if it doesn’t hold 30 ounces of fluid. It will hold 12 ounces and the other liquid will spill out.

How can you make yourself more comfortable? Sometimes there isn’t a magic pill or wand – but try these tips for more pollen allergy comfort.

If your regular medicine isn’t working, see your allergist or general doctor for suggestions. They may switch you to something different or add another allergy medication to help your symptoms.

Vacuum your home regularly and enthusiastically. Remember that pollen comes into your home, tracked in on your feet, on your clothing, in your hair, on your pets and winds up on your furniture, on the rugs and everywhere you can think of. The more you can remove, the more comfortable you can be. We suggest vacuuming once or twice each week.

Wash your clothing the moment you are done wearing it. This will remove the pollen from it. Even simply putting worn clothing in the washing machine and shutting the lid will keep your from inhaling the pollen for the moment. Doing more wash will give you fresh clothes to wear that won’t have added pollen on them.

If you exercise outdoors, try to do so early in the morning or late in the day. Try not to exercise in the middle of the day when the sun is warmest and the pollen seems to bug us the most. Consider taking a shower when  you come in the door to remove pollen from  your hair and change your workout clothes immediately.

If you’re suffering remember you’re not alone. Many states are dealing with added pollen right now. While we have added pollen now, the pollen will decrease shortly. It is simply a matter of being comfortable during this period until summer comes and the pollen returns to a normal level.

Remember to see your doctor if your symptoms change for any reason.

The Clean Air Clean Jobs Act Has Passed by 53 – 12

March 24th, 2010 . Posted in Air Quality, Environmental, Everything | No Comments »
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Colorado has introduced some interesting legislation dedicated to clean air. According to GreeleyTribune.com, House Bill 1365, also called the Clean Air Clean Jobs Act was passed by 53 – 12. This legislation now heads to the Senate.

Clean AirThis has been created with the goal of improving air quality. The bill will reduce emissions from coal plants and force companies to either replace these facilities or to retrofit the facilities. Coal is known for burning into the air and causing problems with air quality. To improve this condition will certainly make the air much better in Colorado. While there could be other related conditions, the coal production and updating or removing this single issue can have a deep impact. It is ideal that Colorado is making this change. As a result, air quality will be improved in Colorado. This is a great benefit to the state.

As we can see, the Colorado House of Representatives thought this bill was important to pass it with a 53 -12 margin. Clean air is critical for every person. Businesses must respond when their actions do not support clean air. By improving the quality of air for everyone, they will breathe better and have better quality of life. We know from using air filters that when you improve the quality of air often you’ll see better breathing, stronger focus, more energy and the ability to relax more deeply and to sleep more soundly. How ideal that the Colorado House of Representatives is thinking of their state and making these improvements for everyone.

Other states may have a similar Clean Act bill or other Bills in effect. Or they may be thinking about this legislation. Clean air is important for every person. Clean air affects people, animals and plants. It affects every living being and our vitality. By having clean air we simply lead improved lives. Without clean air we struggle to breathe or simply feel uncomfortable, without quite knowing why.

You can encourage your Senate or Congress to support Clean Air legislation. Contacting your Senate or Congress person and giving your voice reminds them that people in their district support the very legislation that they are fighting for. It is quite helpful to speak up when you believe in Clean Air for everyone so you can help to encourage the Senate or Congress to work towards these goals. Every person counts for this important legislation.

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