Air Pollution Now Linked to Bladder, Kidney and Bowel Cancers

It’s always been well known that air pollution was bad for the respiratory system. As time and research have gone on, however, it’s become clear that contaminants in the air can affect much more than just your lungs. Now, new research has even linked air pollution to an increased risk of cancers in the kidneys, bladder and bowel tissue.

 

A new study, published by the Barcelona Institute of Global Health, found that air pollution’s effects on the risk of these cancers was fairly high. According to the study, for every 6.5 parts per billion increase in nitrogen dioxide in the air, the risk of death from bowel cancer rose by 6 percent. Even this was moderate compared to the findings about particulate matter’s effects on bladder and kidney cancers. The study found that every increase of 4.4 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter raised the risk of kidney cancer by 14 percent and the risk of bladder cancer by 13 percent.

 

These findings are just the latest in a series of recent discoveries about the disproportionate role of air pollution in common diseases. Other studies have linked heart disease, stroke and even diabetes risk to increases in air pollution. From these studies, we are gradually beginning to see that air quality is one of the most important contributing factors to overall health over the long term.

 

  What’s the Best Way to Protect Yourself?

 

Needless to say, air pollution is a problem that is shared by a local area, state or in some cases entire countries. Since there is very little immediate effect individuals can have on outdoor air quality, it’s important that they protect themselves by improving the air quality in their homes, over which they have much more control, by using an air purification system.

 

To protect against air pollution, it’s best to get an air purifier that has both carbon and HEPA filtration. A HEPA filter will remove particulate matter from the air, while carbon filters target VOCs, gases and odors. Together, the two will help to remove a broad range of different pollutants from the air in your home.

 

Have questions about how using an air purifier can protect you from pollutants and common contaminants? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you pick out the best unit for your needs.