Air Quality
We hear about air quality from many sources, from the weather report to vacuum cleaner commercials. The air we breathe can carry many tiny particles that will affect your health, especially if you are an allergy sufferer. Common contaminants in the air include dust, pollen, and smoke. Air in well-insulated houses can concentrate not only these contaminants but fumes and vapors from household chemicals like chlorine bleach and cleaners.
Getting enough fresh air where you live may be as simple as opening a window or as complex as filtering and ensuring proper humidity in an apartment or office HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system. Use of smoke removers and air filters (either electrostatic or HEPA) may improve indoor air quality.
Recently Answered
- Q How can air pollution cause breathing problems?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineAir pollution can aggravate arterial and respiratory problems. A report in the British Medical Journal found that changes in the level of air pollutants -- specifically, ozone and black smoke, a major source of PM2.5 (particulate matter, in the... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at the greatest risk of respiratory problems due to air pollution?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYoung children and stay-at-home mothers are often at greatest risk for the dangerous effects of air pollution if the places where they live are filled with outdoor or indoor pollutants. These children and moms don't escape to the safety of their... Full Answer
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- Q Why is air pollution so dangerous to lung health?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineAir pollution caused by particulate matter so small that it can't be seen is what aggravates and leads to respiratory (and cardiovascular) problems—and even death. Particles from the polluted air that are too small to be filtered out by the cilia... Full Answer
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- Q Can house plants help reduce air pollution inside my home?
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Dr. Clifford Bassett, Allergy & ImmunologyResearch done decades ago by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found that certain house plants can actually "clean the air" of pollutants and dust. A growing amount of plant researchers are identifying various plants that will... Full Answer
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- Q Should I use an air filter in my home?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyHome air filters sound like they'd be the best things for your lungs since snorkeling tubes. After all, when used and maintained properly, they can filter allergens out of the air. Unfortunately, many people don't see big benefits after bringing an air... Full Answer
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- Q What are the effects of poor indoor air quality on health?
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Many office and factory workers experience headaches, unusual fatigue, itching or burning eyes, skin irritation, and nasal congestion, a dry or irritated throat, and nausea because of the air quality. Full Answer
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- Q What are some health risks of poor indoor air quality?
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Rebecca Morley, Health EducationIndoor pollution levels range from 2 to 5 times higher (and in some instances 100 times higher) than outdoor pollutant levels and may pose greater health risks to individuals. People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Poor air quality... Full Answer
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- Q Can indoor air pollution cause health problems?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineResearch now indicates that indoor air quality could be five times more aging for us than outdoor air. The news regularly reports mysterious cases of "sick building syndrome" and the debate of indoor mold and mold toxins is front-page news.... Full Answer
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- Q What outdoor toxins are most dangerous to your lungs?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAs one of only three ways the inside of your body interacts with the outside world (skin and intestines are the others), your lungs can be exposed to a great deal of nasty toxins. The outdoor pollutants that mostly affect your lung health appear to be... Full Answer
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- Q How can humidity affect air temperature?
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Humidity can cause the temperature to feel warmer than it really is. Humidity can be harmful if the humidity level and the temperature are high. For example, if the temperature outside is 92 degrees F and the relative humidity level is 65 percent, then... Full Answer
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