Health problems created by road traffic

Exposure to air pollution can lead to
a variety of health problems.

Millions of research dollars are being spent on examining the health issues related to road traffic and environmental pollution.

Especially in highly trafficked areas such as LA and other urban centers, air pollution effects have become a topic of concern for children health and women’s health, among others.

To shed some light on the issues, a recent detailed report by Environmental Health News’ Editor in Chief Marla Cone put the spotlight on health in LA and LA traffic.

Air pollution effects

Researchers have found that spending too much time too close to busy highways could lead to

• Asthma
• Reduced lung function
• Cardiovascular disease
• Autism
• Other health effects

Schools, businesses and homes near freeways, ports and railways (or all of them together as is the case in the area stretching from Long Beach to East Los Angeles) expose people to emissions from trucks, ships, trains, and other diesel-powered sources.

Environmental pollution high in busy regions

That means many volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene and benzene that are known carcinogens can be in the air.

While new technologies and regulations have made improvements to the overall air quality, high levels of pollutants remain. For example, the Los Angeles basin is still the worst when it comes to ozone, the main ingredient in smog, and it also has very high levels of fine particles.

About half of the residents of Los Angeles County – about 7 million people -- live within a mile of a freeway, some within 100 meters or less.

Breathing easier with air cleaners

Some schools have put air filters in the classrooms and have noticed a tremendous improvement in the air quality, the article says.

It shouldn’t be a debate of jobs versus health, the experts say.

Portable air cleaners with carbon and
HEPA help keep the air clean and safe.

While it’s obvious that ports and freeways are economically necessary, they have to be designed and equipped to protect the community’s health.

Cleaner air at home, at school and at work

If it works in schools, it will certainly work in the home. AllerAir has designed a series of air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of air pollutants.

The key to a good filtration system is to have the most efficient and safe technologies. AllerAir air purifiers feature the biggest activated carbon + HEPA filters to remove airborne chemicals, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and molds.

Browse our products online or contact AllerAir directly to find the right air purifier for your needs: 1-888-852-8247.

Source: Environmental Health News