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Everyday Environmental Hazards Affecting Our Lungs [Slideshow]

Amanda

Mar 15, 2020

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Lungs are pretty necessary, right? With an estimated 35 million Americans suffering from chronic lung disease, we need to make sure those bad boys have a fighting chance. Understanding which environmental factors affect our lungs is not just for those who may suspect that they have had overexposure in environments that have been flagged and reported, but for anyone who breathes.

Everyday environmental factors can be a possible threat or hazard to your health. While research concludes that there is rarely a direct cause-effect relationship between environmental factors and lung disease, these are still important to observe as they may lead to damage that goes undetected until conditions ultimately worsen.

Make a mental checklist to look out for these everyday environmental hazards.

Image by Denys Nevozhai / Unsplash

1 of

Traffic

Automobile exhaust and other vehicle emissions pollute the surrounding air in traffic. On a hot day, having your windows down in traffic may expose you to toxic compounds that occur when emissions are heated.

Image by Crystal de Pasille-Chabo / Unsplash

2 of

Overuse of Cleaning Products

Long term exposure to chemicals in bleach, detergents, air fresheners, aerosol products, and other household cleaning staples can become toxic. These substances can contain VOCs, which can affect the body adversely.

Image by Meredith Hunter / Unsplash

3 of

Carpets & Pet Dander

Carpets are a major collector of dust, pet dander, and other materials that gather and become harmful in the home. Vacuuming may only serve to remove surface debris. Deep carpet cleaning and keeping pet's hair managed are the best ways to keep your lungs healthy.

Image by Markus Distelrath / Pexels

4 of

Secondhand Smoke

Between cigarettes, vapes, and industrial smoke, our lungs are constantly exposed to the effects of secondhand smoke.

Image by Yoane Silione / Unsplash

5 of

Paint

When dried, paint can also contain VOCs that evaporate into the air and are toxic when inhaled. Thankfully, there is such a thing as low-toxic and non-toxic paint.

Image by Rebecca Wiggins / Unsplash

6 of

Bathroom Sinks

It's quite a challenge to have a day out without having to use a public restroom. Whether public or residential, a risk we often come in contact with are sinks. Sinks are the ideal ground for breeding bacteria and mold that are harmful to breathing.

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Amanda

GR8NESS Writer

Amanda is a GR8NESS contributing writer who lives in celebration of self care, and endeavors to approach all things with a student mentality. Her love for the study of self-development is rooted in fitness, holistic wellness, and skin care. She is an advocate for mental health; and hopes to connect others to their own way of daring to care.

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