Air pollution impacts independent living
When we hear about environmental factors that negatively affect our health, microplastics and PFAS (forever chemicals) get a lot of press. However, the results of a University of Michigan study bring good old-fashioned air pollution back in the news.
Air pollution exposure increases risks of high blood pressure, dementia, and respiratory issues, disproportionately affecting senior citizens. The study followed more than 25,000 older adults and after nine years, 40% needed in-home assistance or moved into a care facility due to health and memory problems. This loss of independence was linked with local air pollution levels during the previous 10 years.
With an estimated 730,000 people in the US losing the ability to live independently each year due to traffic pollution, and health care costs in the several billions, researchers urge officials to take greater steps to lower particulate levels, including switching to cleaner fuel sources.
Learn more in this article from the Guardian, including what a Chinese study found about how in-home fuel sources impact the need for senior care.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/12/lower-air-po...
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Evangel
Everything good that this country has done over the last 60 or more years seems to be going backward. Maybe we will soon be known around the world as a backward country instead of a global leader.
Slipstream
I once read that breathing the air in Los Angeles was the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Today, even with all the CA restrictions, LA is still at the top of the "bad air" list every year. I can understand why the elderly are being challenged with various health issues they would otherwise not have.
Sadly, air and water pollution are dangers to every citizen in every state. Unfortunately, our current Supreme Court has recently diminished the enforcement power of federal agencies to curb corporate offenders. This decision has put every American's health at further risk. We'll see it in the statistics soon.