You likely know that the
air you breathe inside or outside is never truly clean. The majority of what we
know about pollution is that it is caused by our use and dependence on fossil
fuels like natural gas, coal and gasoline. Additionally, scientists are now
warning that we are breathing in much more than that. They suggest that we are
ingesting microplastic particles with every breath we take. This can be
dangerous to our respiratory systems. Here’s what you need to know about the
plastic in our air.
Microparticle Pollution
What is it?
Generally, particle
pollution is literal solid particles in liquid droplets surrounding us in the
air. It’s similar to how acid rain is suspended in the air. Particle pollution
can be polluted by any number of pollutants. We breathe this in no matter where
we are, just like seasonal allergies. Some of the particles are large and some
are smaller. So, we are often breathing in pollutants without knowing it. In
fact, most pollutants are undetectable unless there is a sample to be examined
under a microscope.
Plastics
Of particular concern is
a recent finding that we are breathing in microplastic particles filled with
chemicals. How can this be happening undetected? Unfortunately, there is
plastic in many of our items from clothes to cleaning products and cosmetics.
These eventually either end up in a landfill or down our sinks. It eventually
ends up back into our atmosphere, returning to us while we breathe.
Health Implications
While it’s still too
early to know the full repercussions it will have on our health, we do know
that it will impact us negatively. Ingesting plastics will have an impact on
our hormones and can be toxic.
Respiratory System
What we breathe in goes
to our lungs and our entire respiratory system. Research is finding that it can
cause asthma, COPD, pneumonia and allergies. These can cause respiratory issues
or exacerbate them.
Cardiovascular System
Air pollution can cause
inflammation long and short term to the cardiovascular system. It may also lead
to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
Pollution anywhere is a serious issue.
It’s important to treat any signs of inflammation to your respiratory or
cardiovascular system immediately. If you are having respiratory concerns - see a specialist at PulseAir Heart and
Lung Centre!