Should we be concerned with this information?
According to the Air Quality Management District near Los Angeles, an average cubic inch of local urban air contains about 250,000 particles. This reduces to 25,000 to 50,000 particles near the coast and increases to a million or more near highways. Even a cubic inch of the purest air at mountain peaks and over the center of the ocean holds thousands of particles.
With the rise of nanotechnology, the primary focus in the medical world has been on ultrafine particles known as PM2.5 — particulate matter with a size of 2.5 microns and smaller. These aren’t good for one’s health. High exposure to PM2.5 and larger particles has been linked to an astonishing array of physical ailments, including:
Strokes (Annals of Neurology, May 2008)
Blood clots in leg veins (Archives of Internal Medicine, May 2008)
Wheezing in infants (Thorax, August 2008)
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Environmental Factor, May 2008)
Clogged arteries (Genome Biology, July 2007)
Heart risks in young adults (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, August 2007)
Premature birth (American Journal of Epidemiology online, November 2007)
Premature death (Thorax online, July 2007)
Yes, I am very concerned. But, sadly, we can't live in a bubble. A houseplant will take away 90% of indoor air pollution. We have a few on each level.
I don't like the electronic filters and have nothing like that. Plants, plants, plants. You are right, indoor air pollution is very scary. Open windows at least once a day too, for a bit.
That sounds more like an outdoor air problem.
No, I wouldn't worry too much about the air in L.A. There are worse places, like China.
If you're worried about indoor air pollution, which can happen, open your doors and windows a lot. You can certainly do that in southern California.
Wait a minute, you are in Ohio. That info you quote is from L.A. I don't think you have to worry at all.
It is perhaps good information to have, but as far as being concerned about it, I don't think I would be. I am concerned (and take measures to prevent such as turning on the hood and/or opening a window) gas from my range lingering in my house.
The best thing you can do is install air filters and air purifiers in your home, which are a good idea anyway if you suffer severe allergies or asthma. If not, I wouldn't worry too much. All that stuff may be true, however, with the exception of highways, all that stuff has been around for millions of years. These particles existed before highways and permanent structures and smog.
My thoughts on this are, good information? Yes, if verified and accurate, which it looks to be at least verified through reputable sources. However, with that said, I am not going to stop using everything they say will cause cancer because I would not be able to do anything at all.
Now, I don't smoke, or use asbestos, and I sometimes think about the plastic containers I am using (but often use them anyway). The way I see it, work with what's available, and worry about the stuff you can't change. And, like I said before, if severe allergies or asthma are a problem for your family, an air purifier may be a good idea but they can be very expensive also.
I am more concerned about the water we drink than the air we breathe. But I've found that we all have different concerns/passions and we can all learn from each other to help improve our quality of lives.
But I never thought about having houseplants as improving the air quality, now I'm excited to have mine :)
C.,
I have an air purifier that removes those small particles from the air. Air filters can't.
I am more concerned about toxic cleaning and laundry products myself, so I use safe ones.
Victoria
