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
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
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.
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