A new study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, connects the risk of breast cancer to car exhaust. According to CTV.ca, Dr. Mark Goldberg from The Research Institute at McGill University Health Centre worked on the study by looking at several studies and their data. Two air pollution “maps” that showed nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a part of car exhaust was shown in the map in Montreal in 1996 and then in 1986.
The study then showed the home addresses of 383 postmenopausal women who had invasive breast cancer in a 1996-7 study and put them on the air pollution maps. Then they looked at 416 women with other types of cancer, excluding types that may have been occupational exposure. The results show that breast cancer was higher in areas with higher air pollution.
Dr. Goldberg did explain that the study did not prove that NO2 caused breast cancer. But the women residing in areas with the highest pollution were nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer as those in the least polluted areas.
The study does not take certain factors into consideration. Such as how much exposure could have happened while at home, school or at work. The researchers are unaware of the women’s daily activity. They don’t know when they spent time outdoors or where they went during the day. But the study does show that this possible link should be looked at further.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many are thinking about their breast health. These findings are important to think about. While there is no actual proven link, there is a possibility there is a link. This shows this should be studied further. We already know that air pollution can cause poor health in other ways.
Take the time this month to be aware of the air pollution in your life for your overall health. While there is no proven link to breast health, reducing air pollution can improve your health in other ways. This can be quite helpful to you.
Find out what the air quality for your community is. If it is poor, get involved in helping to change the air quality.
There are some things you can do at home to help improve your air quality. Consider growing a garden or more plants. Plants, bushes and trees all help to improve the air quality. Spending time out in your garden in cleaner air will be good for you.
Add plants indoors to help improve air quality. The peace lily is known for improving air quality. Other plants can also help your air quality.
Run your air filter during the day and evening to improve the air quality in your home. Make sure your air filter inside it is clean. This typically should be cleaned every few months or when it is dirty.
Vacuum and dust your home so it is free from allergens. These can cause you to have poor indoor air quality.
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