The Hidden Danger In Our Air

by Nicole

Hidden away on a government Environmental Protection Agency webpage is a rather disturbing map detailing the counties in America that haven’t attained designated safety standards for what is commonly referred to as PM-10. The vast majority of the serious offenders are in car-loving California.

The term PM-10 describes microscopic airborne particles that are significant because they’re of a size that can be caught our by the body’s own nose and throat, hair and mucous filtration system. Once lodged in the lungs these particles can cause all manner of health problems such as asthma, cancer and cardiovascular disease. One report suggests that 64,000 cardiopulmonary deaths per year in the US may be attributable to PM-10.

Though occurring in nature thanks to volcanic activity, and naturally occurring dust and forest fires, the PM-10 problem has been exacerbated because of man’s penchant for burning fossil fuels. Finding alternative energy sources is the ultimate solution, but in the meantime a high-quality home air purifier may help you breathe more easily.

| 08/06/07 | Health