Category: Pollution

Buy No Mask Until You’ve Made Sure of These Factors

Wearing masks is especially more relevant these days with the pandemic causing chaos amongst many countries. People have seen the need for wearing face masks to protect themselves from the virus. But, in actuality, regardless of the pandemic, masks should be a given in our everyday lives. This is because we are often exposed to pollutants, be it inside our homes or outside in the city.

If you are considering wearing masks, then this is the time for you to think of the following factors when buying:

Filters should remove more than 95% of PM2.5 particles.

According to Better, Particulate matter or PM2.5 particles pertain to particles in the air that cause pollution. These are the smallest and most dangerous forms of air pollution.

That is why you need face masks with PM2.5 filters. Research has shown that these filters can help capture nanoparticles with a high degree of efficiency, which is approximately 95% or more. Lab tests have also demonstrated that a properly-fitted cloth mask with a PM2.5 filter will be able to decrease airborne particulates by at least 90%.

 

The mask is comfortable to wear.

Aside from its practicality and functionality, comfort must not be compromised.

Your face mask is something that you’ll regularly be wearing indoors or outdoors.

 

No one would want to feel uneasy wearing their mask. That is why masks should be created with your convenience in mind. Who would want to wear a mask that makes you feel unsettled and would result in you taking it off, which defeats the purpose?

It doesn’t fog up your glasses.

One of the things that you should consider before buying a face mask is whether it will fog up your glasses. This is a major no-no, especially for those who struggle with their eyesight. For this reason, you need the perfect mask that will be the right fit. Most masks either have flimsy or nonexistent nosepieces which are put in place to form a tight seal around the bridge of your nose. Having a strong and adjustable nose piece will result in avoiding fogged-up glasses. This is because your mask needs to fit securely over your nose or is shaped to fit your face to keep warm air from exiting up to your glasses, as stated by Dr. Hamilton.

 

 

It doesn’t add to the trash dump.

There are several types of face masks to choose from. It can be a reusable or disposable mask. But, if you are conscious of taking care of the environment, make sure that you are purchasing the appropriate kind of mask. In fact, it is shown that disposable masks often end up in trash dumps. This negatively affects the environment because most of these masks have polypropylene, which is a thermoplastic polymer and is considered plastic waste. Thus, you should choose masks that are reusable while having the necessary features for protection against pollutants and other particles.

 

 

It can be used constantly so you can make it a habit.

When it comes to wearing masks, you should be able to wear them every day without feeling the need to take them easily. In this way, you can make it a habit which will result in

you having healthy lungs. Masks are also the best way for you to avoid pollutants that can cause long-term health effects. You’ll be able to minimize the risks of air pollution and other viruses.

Remember all of these factors, and you’ll be able to buy the best mask possible.Keep in mind that you should also be carefully looking at its features and whether it would suit what you are looking for. You can see the various available masks here.

The Trash Train – Tracking Pollution To The Dump

As you go on about your day to day activities and see your garbage collector cart your trash away, you may have briefly wondered what happens to the trash they have picked up. You might question whether some of it will be recycled or if it’s just going to end up in a landfill, or worse: in the ocean.

If you want to know what happens, here are some common scenarios as to where your garbage goes after it leaves your house:

It goes to dumps or landfill sites to be buried

Unless you have chosen to live a life with zero-waste, you contribute to the growing problem of overfilled trash dumps and landfills. Dumps are open holes in the ground where your trash is buried and where pests such as rats and mice swarm around. On the other hand, landfills are structures designed to be built into or on top of the ground. Trash should be isolated from the surrounding environment, according to How Stuff Works. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Our trash continues to pile up in growing mountains of trash that has not been separated. It starts to mold and fill the air with a stench you can smell miles away. If a landfill is successfully managed, there is a good chance that soil can be added to it, and that it can become a hill or mountain with grass, bushes or trees on top. This is done to allow the trash to decompose faster, and to block the negative factors of an open trash dump. The issue is that in many countries the trash keeps piling up and there will never be enough space to leave the last trash dump behind and move on to the next one.

It gets burnt or incinerated

There are some places where waste is sent to be incinerated for waste-to-energy plants while some localities without the luxury burn it in piles. In fact, Christine Wiedinmyer, an atmospheric scientist, found that at least 1.1 billion tons of waste, which is more than 40% of the world’s garbage, is burned in open piles. Trash burning actually produces a lot of carbon dioxide emissions.

The newer facilities do have the ability to incinerate trash at extremely high temperatures, while removing the majority of the pollutants before the exhaust fumes are released into the air. The problem however are that these cost hundreds of millions of dollars to set up. Currently at least 50% of waste is made up of carbon by mass. For these reasons, it can also be stated that it contributes to air pollution in many countries today.

It gets recycled

A lot of places have waste transfer stations where they accept and sort trash out. Recyclables and other materials go to recycling centers.

Moreover, nowadays, people are encouraged to recycle and reuse materials such as plastics to help with the environment. Much of our waste is caused by these materials that do not decompose easily. Because of them, landfills and trash dumps are overflowing, and even the sea is full of waste and endangering marine life. Thus, it is always better to know these tips on how to have effective recycling habits.

Following some of the beneficial actions you can take to reduce your trash output, there are different ways in which most people dispose of their garbage. Of course, there are also some people who do not follow the rules their cities set out for them and they dump it in places they shouldn’t. Some localities are exporting trash, but it is very difficult to deal with such large amounts of such a disgusting formation. There are many expensive ways to deal with our trash output so that certain plastics and other volatile compounds are not mixed with organic matter and left.

Millions of kilos of trash do not get disposed of properly and will remain on our earth for a long period of time. This has caused an alarming reminder to all of us that we should be responsible for our trash. So, remember the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!

3 REASONS WHY it would have paid for you to get a mask a 6 months ago

Wearing masks might be the new normal today, but did you know that you should have had one months ago? Believe it or not, masks are a must-have for most people, especially since we deal with pollution and other harmful substances that can affect our lungs every day. It might not seem like it, but prolonged exposure to these things and unhealthy habits can have severe effects later on in our lives.

For you to understand the importance of masks, here are three reasons why you need one:

  1. Cleaner Lungs

The common answer for using masks is so that you can protect your lungs and breathe in clean and filtered air. You can avoid a stuffy nose caused by allergens such as pollen or dust. You can also prevent dry coughs by minimizing the risks of getting a cold during the changing of seasons. Another important factor is that filtered air can also shield you from various substances and conditions that will cause lung damage. These can include the following:

  • Smoking – Cigarette smoke produces toxic substances that can cause lung damage because it triggers inflammation and destroys air passages and air sacs, as stated by the Lung Health Institute.
  • Household Substances – From VOCs, radon to asbestos and mold, there are several materials that can be found in homes that can lead to lung damage.
  • Pollution – It can be indoor or outdoor pollution and consistently breathing in these air pollutants can cause lung inflammation, and in worst cases, lung damage.

  1. Comfortability

Who doesn’t want to be comfortable anywhere and at any place? By wearing masks with a high quality filter, you’ll have safety assurance since you would be able to protect your lungs from any toxic and harmful substances or viruses. These days, various masks are used to safeguard people from the spread of the coronavirus and other airborne diseases. Not to mention also that during traffic pollution, you can minimize the risks by wearing masks. For those who drive motorbikes, you are more prone to air pollutants caused by traffic congestion. Thus, it is always better to regularly wear your mask as you travel.

  1. Long-Term Illness Prevention

Air pollution is something that can be hard to escape. Regardless of where you live, it is all around us. According to WHO , “microscopic pollutants in the air can slip past our body’s defenses, penetrating deep into our respiratory and circulatory system, damaging our lungs, heart and brain.” This is why at least 2.5 million people worldwide die each year from the long-term health effects caused by exposure to air pollution, as stated by National Geographic. Because of deadly lung diseases, heart disease, cancer, and other respiratory diseases, air pollution shouldn’t be taken lightly. For these reasons, you can see how crucial it is to wear a mask. This will help reduce exposure to all these pollutants and prevent any prolonged effects.

If you consider all these three reasons, masks are definitely something you need for a lifetime. As much as possible, avoid inhaling substances that can cause damage to your health. As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Here are Quick Ways to Break Up a Cold

We all have experienced colds all too well. The changing of the seasons is often not welcomed by many because it brings about unwanted colds or the flu. We start getting scratchy and sore throats, and then we have a hard time breathing because of our stuffy noses.

With each sneeze and blow of the nose, we can’t help but think about how often we take our once decongested nose for granted. Although we do our best to have a healthy immune system by exercising or eating healthy foods, there are just times that a cold finds its way in.

That is why we look for ways to get better quickly. Here are some natural remedies you can do at home to know how to get rid of a cold overnight without medicine.

Remember to Stay Hydrated

Drink a lot of water as much as you can so you can flush out the cold. This will also break down congestion and keep your throat lubricated, as stated by Hello! Herbal teas and other hot liquids are also great with colds and stuffy noses. Teas such as sage, ginger, or chamomile, among others, help ease sore throats and nasal congestion. A helpful tip that you should also know is that you can drink fresh turmeric tea for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Soup for the Soul, Body, and Mind

As most people would say, soup is good for the soul. When we have colds, we often remember eating soup to make us feel better. There is actually a science behind it. Soup with ingredients like garlic, ginger, onions, or lemongrass help to ease the congestion you get when you’re sick. Its broth, helps thin out mucus.

Make Use of Garlic but Don’t Forget Breath Mints

Eating food with garlic might leave you with smelly breath, but it is known for having antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties. Thus, it can help with decongestion in colds and the flu. A study was conducted where during the cold season, people who took garlic supplements for 12 weeks had fewer colds than those who didn’t take them. If you don’t like the pungent taste and smell of raw garlic, you can try smearing it on toast with a bit of olive oil or honey or another dish like sautéed vegetables with garlic.

Get Your Beauty Sleep and Feel Rejuvenated

One of the obvious remedies you can do to fight off a cold is to get some much-needed rest. Don’t force yourself to do anything and let your body heal itself. Get adequate sleep because this is the time that your immune system is enhanced. During sleep, your body fights infections, which means the more sleep that you can get, the higher the chance that you’ll cure your cold in no time. It is also understandable that with stuffy sinuses, sleeping might be hard. What you can do is to put extra pillows under your head to help drain the sinuses. Also, make sure that your room climate is humid to further thin the mucus in your nose.

So, try out these natural remedies and see the results for yourself. Of course, if it is not getting better and keeps getting worse, it is better to go right to a doctor for professional help.

The Man with the Healthiest Lungs!

Our lungs play a huge role in keeping us healthy and well, but we do not see the relevance until we experience problems with breathing. That is why, just like the rest of our body, the lungs need daily care and attention.

When we breathe, we feed oxygen to every cell in the body. Because of this, you aren’t prone to health problems such as respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among others. For this reason, if you want to have healthy lungs, you need to be more attentive to its overall condition.

Who has healthy lungs?

The man with the healthiest lungs is probably Constantine Karnazes.

People who have never had any issues with their breathing, or those who have never inhaled air in polluted places have healthier lungs than those that grow up in polluted areas. The man with the healthiest lungs is probably an ultramarathon runner who spends hours and hours training his lungs while running. By working the muscles that contract and expand the lungs, you can train your lungs to be strong. It isn’t too late for anyone to build healthier lungs. You just need to know the things that you should and shouldn’t do. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you can follow:

Do’s:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

If you’re thinking of how to keep lungs healthy naturally, then the breathing technique that you can use is diaphragmatic breathing. This is often used by people who experience lung problems such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Diaphragmatic breathing makes use of the diaphragm muscle by concentrating on it as you breathe in. It will result in a much deeper inhale.

You can see this technique also being used by professional singers to increase their lung capacity.

Exercise As Much As You Can

Regular exercise will take you closer to the path of someone having healthier lungs. When you exercise, the heart beats faster, and the lungs work harder—according to research, breathing increases from at least 15 times a minute to 40 to 60 times a minute. This will mean that your lungs will definitely be having a workout and would quickly exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide.

Counting Your Breaths

Another simple way to improve your lung capacity is by increasing the length of your inhalations and exhalations. It can be done by counting how long your natural breath takes. After knowing the count for the average breath, you’ll add one more count to each inhale and exhale. This will conveniently extend the length of time that it’ll take to fill and empty the lungs, resulting in stronger lungs.

Don’ts:

Smoking

It is widely known that smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and COPD. It narrows the air passages and causes swelling in the lungs. As you smoke continuously, the lung tissue would be destroyed over time and may trigger effects that can result in cancer.

So, if you smoke, this is the time to stop now and let your lungs breathe in clean air.

Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants

Many indoor air pollutants can result in lung

problems. From dust, VOCs, mold, secondhand smoke, and radon, all of these will prevent you from achieving your goals of having healthy lungs. That’s why make sure to have filtered and ventilated rooms for easier breathing.

Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution

Air pollution is something that we often experience every day. The air quality outside is usually unhealthy to breathe, be it due to traffic congestion or factory buildings spewing up smoke. These things are bad for our lungs. That is why one of the ways to avoid them is by wearing face masks, which can minimize the risks that they bring.

Thus, remember all of these do’s and don’ts, and you will be on the right track to successfully being a man or woman who has the healthiest lungs!

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The Crimes We Commit Against Our Lungs

If we want to be able to avoid having unhealthy lungs, then we should do our best to prevent ourselves from doing things that can cause harm to our bodies. Most people are not aware of the implications of what our lungs do. They do not understand the risks and effects that are associated with smoking, not wearing masks, non-ventilated rooms, viruses, and bacteria.

In order to understand what affects our lungs better, take a look at the following list below and see if you are guilty of doing some of these things. You will understand why you should stop doing hurting your lungs now.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the common ways that you can destroy your lungs and lung tissue. The damage happens because it decreases the number of air spaces and blood vessels in your lungs. It will then result in less oxygen in crucial parts of the body. It can cause deadly diseases such as emphysema, pneumonia, and lung cancer. According to statistics, smoking is the reason for 84% of deaths from lung cancer and 83% of deaths from COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke happens because of the mixture of smoke from the burning end of the cigarette, and the smoke breathed out by smokers. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, and hundreds of which are toxic and at least 70 that are cancer-causing agents. on-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer by 20% to 30%.

Not Wearing Masks

Based on research, when it comes to exposure to air pollution, even if it’s for a short or long period of time, it can have negative effects on both the lungs and heart. It is estimated that in excess of 3 million deaths happening worldwide each year are caused by outdoor air pollution. So, you might not know it, but indeed, even traffic pollution can harm you if you’re not wearing a face mask. This is because air pollution is made up of particles and gases that include ozone, volatile organic compounds or VOCs, and carbon monoxide, among others. Even dust can be detrimental to your health because it can trigger various allergens.

Breathing in Unfiltered and Unventilated Spaces

Outdoor and Indoor air pollutants are everywhere. That is why you need to have filters and ventilation in place to prevent particles and gasses from affecting your lungs. These pollutants can cause health effects that range from sneezing and coughing to aggravating chronic respiratory disorders and can even lead to fatal illnesses such as lung cancer. Without a filtered or ventilated space, dust mites, smoke particles, formaldehyde, and VOCs can remain in the air and damage your lungs. Poor ventilation can also lead to lingering odors that can have long-term health issues and lower oxygen levels due to the build-up of carbon dioxide.

 

As we learn more about the air we breathe, and we start to realize how much pollution is really out there, we should consider the effects on our bodies. Especially young people or elderly adults with growing or older lungs have to be careful. In many countries around the world it is difficult to find schools, hospitals, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and other places we find ourselves in daily, that actually filter the air they provide. Especially in bars and restaurants in developing nations, very high levels of PM2.5 are discovered indoors due to the allowance of smoking. Education and knowledge is a great start, so that’s why we are trying to let everyone know the dangers of pollution. What do you think about the air you breathe for the majority of a day? Is it clean?

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