The Nitty-Gritty On Air Pollution

The Dirty Facts

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has stated that smog can be as detrimental to your arteries as cigarette smoke.

Experts believe variations in levels of urban air pollution affect mortality rates. Certain pollutants are thought to have an inflammatory effect on the inner lining of arteries, which can trigger atherosclerosis. They may also cause inflammation of the lungs, which could aggravate lung problems.

The pollution risk comes from ozone and particulate matter—a very fine soot. Both are generated by cars, trucks, factories and coal-fired power stations. When you breathe in particulate matter, it irritates your airways and triggers an inflammatory response, which, like all inflammation, accelerates plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.

Where Is It?

Unfortunately, pollution is pervasive. It’s not just in the air we breathe but also in the water we drink and sometimes the food we eat. These other environmental offenders can also be hard on your heart. In a recent study of 2,125 men and women ages 40 and over, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that on average, those with peripheral artery disease had 14 per cent higher blood levels of lead and 16 per cent higher blood levels of cadmium. Both pollutants can be found in air, food, and water (cadmium is also present in cigarette smoke). Other studies have suggested that high blood levels of mercury from eating too much highly contaminated fish may elevate heart disease risk as well.

Avoiding Air Pollution

Limit your exposure to harmful chemicals: Use water filters either on the tap or in a special pitcher to eliminate contaminants in your drinking water.

Breathe Better

There is not much you can do to change the air that you breathe when you go outside (except move to the country). However, there are a number of things that you can do to limit your heart’s exposure to the damaging effects of dirty air.

Avoid Rush Hour

Even if the air in your area tends to be clean, avoid exercising outside—including cycling or jogging—during rush hour when vehicle emissions are highest. Your best bet is to exercise very early in the morning and avoid main roads.

Stay Away from Smokers

The good news is that provincial legislators have or are in the process of forcing bars, restaurants and other public places throughout the country to ban smoking. The bad news is that exposure to second-hand smoke from just a single cigarette each day speeds up the development of atherosclerosis. So be very selective about the establishments you frequent when out in public.

Go Green

Good insulation and new windows may save money on your heating bills, but they may affect your home’s air quality. Get some houseplants, especially palms, spider plants and ivy varieties, which act like air filters.

Eat Your Antioxidants

Antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene, protect your heart and lungs from the ill effects of pollution-induced free radical damage. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Use Your Nose

When exercising in less-than-perfect air conditions, try to breathe through your nose as it is equipped with fine hairs that help to filter the air before it reaches your lungs.