VOG (volcanic smog): Higher incidence of thyroid cancer in volcanic area

People living in volcanic areas may be at a higher risk for thyroid cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed to more sensitive screening, but recent evidence indicates that this may not be the only cause. Various environmental factors, such as those associated with volcanoes, have not been excluded as risk factors.

Gabriella Pellegriti, M.D., Ph.D., of the endocrinology division, University of Catania Medical School, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital in Italy, and colleagues collected incidence [newly diagnosed cases] of thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2004 to compare the cancer rates of residents living in the volcanic area of Mt. Etna of Catania with those in the rest of Sicily.

The researchers found that residents of the Catania province had a more than two times higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer, but not follicular or medullary thyroid cancers, than elsewhere on the island. Also, papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation, which has been associated with more aggressive thyroid cancer.

The authors point out that a volcanic environment—which can produce toxic compounds that are suspended particulate matter and gases and elements that may pollute the water—may increase the incidence of thyroid cancer; however, the mechanism by which it affects risk is unknown.

"The striking increase in papillary thyroid cancer incidence that was associated with the Etna volcanic environment leads us to suggest that residents of other volcanic areas…could be at increased risk for thyroid cancer and, possibly, of other cancers," the authors write. "Although specific risk factors for thyroid cancer in this volcanic environment are still unknown, identification of these factors could help to better understand the cause(s) of the increasing thyroid cancer incidence in Europe and North America and perhaps to develop prevention measures."

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Knoxville, Tennessee Deemed Asthma Capital of the World; Poor Air Quality to Blame

According to a 2008 Asthma and Allergy Foundation report, Knoxville is the asthma capital of the world—- due in great measure to the poor air quality in East Tennessee. Ozone and particulate matter are the two greatest contributors to air pollution in the area.

Mark Wenzler, the director of clean air and climate programs with the National Parks Conservation Association told knoxnews.com that people should pay close attention to air-quality alerts because “even healthy people could be impacted due to ozone”.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir agree with Wenzler, adding: “People who seek refuge indoors, especially in places like Knoxville, where pollution is very high, often don’t realize that indoor air is often times much worse than outdoor air,” said Karen Hand, an IAQ specialist with the company. “We have many customers in East Tennessee, and our recommendation is always the same: get an air purifier for your home—- it will make a world of difference, especially to asthma sufferers.”

To speak with an Indoor Air Quality Expert at AllerAir, you can call toll free at 888 852 8247 for a no-obligation consultation.

Texas Seized in Air Quality Alert

High ozone levels and high temperatures are affecting an area stretching from Dallas and Fort Worth to the Tyler-Marshall area in Texas, where residents have been affected with an air quality alert for a second day in a row.

Air Quality Experts are urging residents, especially those with breathing problems, to remain indoors with air conditioning, and to incorporate an air cleaner into their homes.

“There have been air quality alerts across the United States, and on days when there isn’t an official alert, the air quality can still be disconcerting,” said Air Quality Expert, Karen Hand, B. Chem., from AllerAir. “Air purifiers are quickly becoming the new standard in homes—- but are especially important during air quality alerts.”

AllerAir Industries has developed a full line of air purifiers, with specific cleaners designed to combat high ozone levels. For more information on air purification and clean indoor air, visit www.allerair.com or contact an AllerAir Air Quality Expert at 888-852 8247.

Wildfires in Chelan and Douglas Counties Cause Air Quality Alert

Smoke from wildfires raging in the Chelan and Douglas counties in the state of Washington have caused the local Health District to issue an air quality alert. Residents with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema, along with children and the elderly, have been warned to avoid outdoor activity and remain indoors with windows and doors closed.

People who live in areas that have been affected by wildfires should consider furnishing their homes with an air purifier designed specifically to combat the dangers caused by reoccurring wildfires.

For more information on equipment designed specifically for wildfires, visit the AllerAir website to find out more about air cleaners designed with medical-grade HEPA technology that traps 99.97% of fine particles at 0.3 microns and deep bed carbon filters to adsorb gases, chemicals and tough smoke odor.