Tiny Battery Safety
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Health Effects of Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality suffered by Utahns has become a critical public health issue. In fact, Salt Lake City and Provo registered the 6th most unhealthy air days from 2012-2014 due to our bowl-shaped mountain basins that trap emissions and pollution. At Lakeview Family Medicine, we warn our patients that going outside on highly polluted days can lead to serious health issues.
Air Quality and Your Health
Harmful pollutants like smog, sulfates, and carbon not only impacts our planet, but they also take a toll on our physical health. Air pollution can be a result of both human and natural actions. There are several short and long-term health effects of poor air quality. According to the World Health Organization, pollutants can lead to:
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory tract damage
- Inflamed airways
- Asthma
- compromised immune system
- lung cancer
- cardiovascular disease
In addition to the above health effects, air pollution can shorten life expectancy by 8.6 months on average. In fact, over two million people die each year due to the health effects of poor air quality. Just like humans, animals also face harmful affects of air pollution.
How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself from the polluted Utah air. First, we recommend reading the air quality index in you zip code before spending the day outdoors. In addition, consider getting an air purifier and replacing the air filter on your HVAC system. These type of air cleaning devices can remove harmful particles in the air by capturing them on filter materials.
Contact Lakeview Family Medicine
At Lakeview Family Medicine, we are committed to improving the health of our patients and our environment. We use advanced technology at our clinic to help you reach peak health. Contact Lakeview Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment.
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