Have you taken a good look at the sky lately? Things are looking gloomy out there; and that could mean adverse health effects.
You may experience some kind of air pollution-related symptoms already, such as: watery eyes, coughing or wheezing. These irritating symptoms can lead to severe health risks, particularly for:
- Individuals with heart disease – such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure
- Individuals with lung disease – such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pregnant women
- Outdoor workers
- Children under age 14, whose lungs are still developing
- Athletes who exercise vigorously outdoors
Health risks also vary by the types of pollutants in the air, concentration and exposure to the polluted air. Extensive exposure to highly polluted air can cause:
- Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness
- Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply the body with oxygen
- Damaged cells in the respiratory system
- Accelerated aging of the lungs
- Loss of lung capacity
- Decreased lung function
- Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer
- Shortened life span
Even the most healthy individuals are at risk for serious health issues due to polluted air. If you or your loved ones are unusually coughing or wheezing, come and see us at Mountain Peaks Family Practice so we can prevent the harmful effects of Utah’s polluted summer air.