October is Healthy Lung Month
October is Healthy Lung Month, making this the perfect time to talk about some household toxins that could impact lung health. Whether it’s arsenic, asbestos,carbon monoxide or radon, it is important to know how they can affect lung health, and what you can do to lower your risk.
October is Healthy Lung Month, making this the perfect time to talk about some household toxins that could impact lung health. Whether it’s arsenic, asbestos,carbon monoxide or radon, it is important to know how they can affect lung health, and what you can do to lower your risk.
Arsenic is an element naturally found in water, air, soil, and rocks, but can also be released into the environment from industrial and agricultural sources. It is commonly used in pesticides, and as a preservative. Short-term exposure can lead to rashes, nausea, and muscle weakness, but exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause several serious diseases, including lung, bladder, and kidney cancer. Although arsenic is a naturally occurring element and it is impossible to eliminate it completely, there are some things you can do to mitigate your risk of a serious arsenic-related health problem. To avoid unnecessary exposure to arsenic, you can have your home water tested for the element, or have your blood, hair or urine tested to determine if your arsenic intake is too high.
Asbestos is a fibrous material that has excellent heat and fire resistant qualities. Its main usage was in industrial and commercial buildings as fireproofing, or insulation. Asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma cancer, which is a rare form of cancer attacking the lining of the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, fever, fatigue, coughing, and low blood sugar, though different forms of the disease present different symptoms. If you think your home may contain asbestos, it is important to have it removed by an abatement specialist! Asbestos is most dangerous when it has been disrupted and the fibers become airborne, so do not try to handle removal on your own.
Chromium is a brittle, hard metal with a lustrous silver-grey color and is used in the creation of alloys such as stainless steel. People can be exposed to chromium in their drinking water, but it can also be found naturally in fruits, meats, vegetables, and grains. Health problems associated with chromium exposure include stomach ulcers, respiratory issues, a weakened immune system, liver damage, and lung cancer. To be sure you are not taking in an overabundance of chromium, you should be sure to have your water levels tested and have a knowledge of the OSHA exposure recommendations.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that travels from the lungs to the bloodstream, where it attaches to hemoglobin molecules transporting oxygen throughout the blood. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no taste or smell, so it can easily go undetected. Exposure may cause shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pain, and if it goes untreated the individual could lose consciousness, potentially leading to death. The best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Radon is a radioactive gas released from elements in rocks and soil. Much like carbon monoxide, it has no taste or smell and it can not be seen. Long-term radon exposure may lead to lung cancer. People who spend a lot of time in poorly ventilated places are at the highest risk. With that in mind, it is a good idea to have your home’s radon level tested. One of the best solutions to combat high radon levels is active soil depressurization. This technique will gather and trap the radon from beneath the home, before it is able to enter.
Radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, chromium, and arsenic can be very harmful to lung health. Now that you’re aware of their potential danger, it is important that you take the necessary precautionary steps to protect yourself and your home. Help spread the word out about these lethal substances in honor of Healthy Lung Month!
Emily Walsh is Community Outreach Director with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
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