Since the dawn of the industrial age, the quality of the air in industrialized nations has decreased significantly.
It is important to know the difference between carbon monoxide vs. carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of breathing and fermentation while carbon monoxide is the poisonous emission of cars and industries.
This pollutant increases the risk of diseases of the lungs and heart in the long run.
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Most Polluted Cities in the United States
Some of the most polluted cities in the United States are located on the west coast and California in particular.
- Los Angeles, CA
- Visalia, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Modesto, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Phoenix, AZ
Tips on Living with Pollution
There are ways to reduce exposure to pollutants in the cities. These tips will protect your lungs and heart health by avoiding polluted air as much as possible and preparing your organism to handle the stresses of city air.
- Download an app. Several apps like the one of the American Lung Association’s app can be downloaded to your phone. The apps will show you the air quality for each day, so you have a heads-up.
- Do not exercise outdoors when the air pollution shows high on the apps. Prefer training indoors or visiting enclosed spaces in the city.
- Make your home a haven of clean air. Add air-purifying houseplants, resist using chemical air fresheners, install a carbon monoxide detector, and keep your HVAC system well-maintained.
- Avoid walking along traffic streets where there are a lot of cars. The vehicles on the road throw all their emissions at the pedestrians nearby.
- Reduce electricity usage in your home. Electricity creates air pollution and raises your bills.
- Exercise earlier than 7:00 in the morning — this is the hour when pollution levels start to rise.
- Keep windows closed on high-pollution days.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables to raise your antioxidant and vitamin levels. These nutrients protect the cells and the mucous membranes of the lungs from damage .
- Wear a mask outdoors to reduce particulate inhalation.
Doing all these things, and increasing your awareness about air pollution in cities will give you the tools to make the right choices to protect your overall health.
References
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