Have you had trouble breathing? It is indeed a difficult situation.
Covid-19 has undoubtedly taught us the importance of healthy lungs and has inspired us to learn about unhealthy substances which can damage our lungs’ health. Unfortunately, we live in a time when we cannot protect our lungs fully due to pollution and the toxic substances that come in close contact with our daily lives.
The lungs and respiratory system have a defence mechanism that removes impurities and waste from the lungs. However, still, it becomes necessary for us to take care of a few things to avoid falling into chronic lung ailments.
Let’s understand more about toxic substances that can hurt our respiratory system and lungs.
1)Be aware of Second and third-hand Smoking :
Smoking hurts. That is obvious, and we all know that. Similarly, it is equally crucial for us to remember the dangers of second and third-hand smoking.
Second-hand smoking is the exposure to smoke by being around a smoker or at a smoking zone by inhaling the smell of smoking, while third-hand smoking is the exposure one gets from close contact with a smoker. Third-hand smoke means residues of contamination settled after smoking in the room and can be found on a smoker’s furniture, walls, clothes, skin and hair. One gets the same by touching the smoker or touching any object with the smoke residue.
Exposure to tobacco by second and third-hand smoke affects health and increases the risk of heart attacks and lung cancer. According to research, second and third-hand smoke significantly contributes to asthma, ear infections and respiratory diseases in infants and children. Similarly, research has shown that third-hand smoke contains more than 250 chemicals and can damage peoples’ DNA, increasing the risk of developing lung cancers and chronic diseases like asthma.
One should remember the dangers of being around a smoker, especially for young children, pregnant women and sick or debilitated persons.
2)Breathing toxic substances due to increased air pollution :
According to World Health Organization, increased air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone in low, middle and high-income countries. Air pollution is dangerous to lung health. Breathing air pollutants can irritate your airways and may cause respiratory ailments. It can also put you at risk of lung cancer, heart attacks and stroke.
Since it is difficult to avoid air pollution, we can take a few steps to protect us.
- Do not go without wearing a mask where pollution has increased due to the construction or repair of buildings. Certain chemicals in cement and paint increase the risk of diseases like lung cancer, ILD, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.
- Similarly, people working in chemical industries or surroundings likely to have gaseous chemical exposure need to focus on regular lung detox by using a salt room, sauna & steam room, etc.
- Avoid outdoor exercise in heavily polluted cities in the afternoon or evening.
3)Contamination by birds : Various bacteria spreading through the drooping of birds and respiratory secretions by infected birds can cause lung and respiratory ailments. To reduce such risk, avoid feeding birds, especially pigeons. Also, keep the terrace/balconies clean and free from bird poop.
4)Indoor pollution : It refers to the quality of air within and around buildings. It relates significantly to the health of occupants. One needs to understand what can cause indoor pollution and take steps to reduce the risk of falling into lung diseases.
- Staying in a damp place with high humidity and fungus can also cause allergies, asthma, cough and simultaneously risk of respiratory diseases increases. Fix leakage in the ceilings and bathroom at the earliest. Keep exhaust fan in kitchen and bathroom to remove humidity and toxic substances by cooking.
- Avoid accumulating unnecessary stuff. Old files, papers, sofas, carpets, curtains etc., are places where dust accumulates quickly, which can cause allergies. Keep the windows open for a few hours daily, especially in the morning, to get sun exposure.
5)Radiation : Radiotherapy has played an essential role in cancer treatment for many years. However, it can increase the risk of inflammation and diseases of the lungs. It is vital to discuss with the doctor in case of such therapies.
The list is long when discussing environmental factors that can affect our lungs. It also seems impossible to avoid environmental pollutants. But the easier way is
- to accept environmental pollutants are dangerous to health
- Be a bit conscious of the environment around us
- Take the necessary steps
That’s it.