Air Pollution, a Cause for Heart Attacks #GreenEnvironmentPollution
Garbage, rubbish everywhere, cigarette butts, water bottles floating in dirty, lazy waters, gardens and parks invaded by plastic bags - these are just a small part of a desolate panorama that has been wrecking nature and our state of mind, inviting us to take refuge in our home or in confined spaces. It has driven human kind to connect to devices and to a virtual life. Pollution not only affects the environment and the planet, but according to recent studies, air pollution could be a cause in the increase of number of heart attacks.
According to research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013 (the annual meeting of the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) by Dr. Savina Nodari, from Brescia, Italy, air pollution determines the occurrence of heart attacks. Dr Nodari stated that "In the last few decades there has been a worrying increase in air pollution. Regardless of local environmental and social policies to approve air quality, the negative effect of air pollution continues to be an important public health problem".
In addition, "some studies conducted in Europe and the US have reported an association between air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particles which are measured as particulate matter (PM) 10, and not only respiratory disease but also acute cardiovascular events and deaths. The European Union has set a PM10 safety threshold of 50 micrograms/m3 but the negative effect of PM10 on the cardiovascular system may occur at levels lower than this cut off".
Dr. Savina Nodari continued her statement by adding that authorities need to do something about air pollution, which is a serious matter. In this respect, countries should consider the use of alternative energies for transportation, industries and domestic use. Wind energy and photovoltaic systems have proven their efficiency, but we should start relying on them completely. But until the authorities establish efficient regulations in terms of air pollution, you, too, can do your part.
Use a bike instead of a car. This will not only protect the air around you, but will also save you a lot of money on gas
Use alternative energy. Such technologies like solar panels are available in a lot of countries and with a little bit of investment, you can enjoy energy directly from the sun. This way you avoid releasing dangerous emissions into the atmosphere.
Unplug electronic equipment after use. This is a mistake many people make. Not unplugging a device after use makes that device consume energy. A bigger electric bill equals a lot of air pollution.
Save energy: close the light and shut the TV when you exit the room and use economic light bulbs. Make a habit out of turning off the light whenever you leave the room. Another good tip is to use economic light bulbs. They may seem a bit pricey at first, but in a short time, they will be paying for themselves in money saved.
Plant more trees and plants
One of the best ways to help avoid air pollution is to plant living organisms. You can easily find a local NGO that focuses on environmental activities, such as planting trees. Plants suck out all the bad substances in the air and release healthy oxygen.
Source: Ashley Robinson