With Britain’s air becoming progressively polluted, in both major cities and towns, it’s becoming apparent that we need to learn exactly how air pollution can unknowingly harm one’s health – and how to combat this. To put this on-going health concern into perspective: The University of Exeter recently carried out a study and alarmingly discovered that two-thirds of us live in areas that are considered to host ‘unsafe’ levels of air pollution.
Emissions from cars increase the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the environment – such gases are believed to cause cancer and contribute to health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, eye irritation and in some cases, birth defects.
• Burning off fossils
Burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, coal and gasoline produces electricity and power for vehicles and a whole array of appliances – this unfortunately comes with the cost of polluted air and health problems. Once burned, fossil fuels release nitrogen oxides into the environment – which adds to the formation of acid rain and ‘smog’.
• Forest fires
As the underlying peat later of a forest burns, visible air pollution is emitted in the form of soot, smoke and ash. Not only visible – the interior of the air pollution is home to an array of harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
• Aerosol use
The UK’s cars may be slowly getting more environment-friendly, but our cleaning products definitely aren’t. It’s believed that perfumes, paints and cleaning sprays can cause as much trouble for the atmosphere and air pollution as a car engine. Commonly used household cleaning products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – all of which contribute to poor health.
These sources liberate substances, including gases that are harmful to humans. The most harmful of these include sulphur dioxide (SO2), Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), tropospheric ozone (03), Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Nervous system damage
Headaches, fatigue and anxiety
Damage to reproductive organs
Respiratory diseases
Cardiovascular damage
Harm to the liver, blood and spleen
• Use natural products to clean your home
Avoid emitting Volatile Organic Compounds into your home and the environment by opting for natural cleaning sources – such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice (together – of course)…
• Avoid over-polluted areas
This is easier said than done – but if you can, try to avoid the UK’s most polluted areas. How? Check your local air pollution levels.
• Open your windows
This one is surprising – the majority of us would think that opening your home to the atmosphere would invite more air pollution. This isn’t the case – home ventilation allows your home to let in as much fresh air as possible and removes any pollutants that have been developing.
• Turn off your engine when static & ditch the diesel!
Switch off your engine when stuck in traffic - idling contributes to a lot of air pollution, both outside and inside a car. Another top tip: turn on your air con (if it’s not too cold), this helps to reduce pollutants entering the car. Also, get rid of your diesel vehicle – they tend to have much higher nitrogen dioxide levels than petrol cars.
Taking steps to make sure you’re not exposed to high levels of air pollution and how to combat it when you are, is important for your general health – it’s also imperative that you are prepared when it comes to health implications that are out of your hands. Getting the right health insurance policy for you is reassuring – you know that you’ll receive the best care and treatments should you ever need it.
Our expert team at THIS specialise in finding people the best health insurance policies, for the right price. If you’re interested in finding a plan that meets your health care requirements, simply fill in our online quote form to get a free, no obligation quote. Alternatively, give our friendly team a call on 0808 10 18 999.
