The consequences of air pollution and what you can do

As wildfires become a more common threat worldwide, understanding the impact of air pollution and wildfire smoke on our health is crucial. In this 3 minute clip, Dr. Peter Lin, MD, sheds light on this issue by explaining how inhaling air pollution leads to inflammation and both the short and long-term effects it can have on the body. Understanding Particulate Matter:PM10 and PM2.5: In the clip, Dr. Lin explains how larger particles (PM10) are usually filtered out by your nose hairs. However, the smaller PM2.5 particles can bypass these defences and cause significant damage. When inhaled, these particles provoke an immune response similar to fighting bacteria, leading to inflammation and scarring in the lungs, known as COPD or "smoker's lung."Impact on the Brain: These particles can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, causing inflammation and potentially leading to conditions similar to Alzheimer's disease. The same inflammatory response can occur throughout the body, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.Microbiome Disruption: Inhaling or ingesting these particles can disrupt the microbiome in the respiratory and digestive systems, compromising your body's natural defenses and leading to broader health issues. Key Points to Consider:Monitor Air Quality: If you're near a wildfire, keep a close eye on local air quality reports. Avoid outdoor activities and strenuous exercise when wildfire smoke is present.HEPA Air Purifiers: To combat indoor air pollution, I use HEPA air purifiers in my home. These devices help filter out harmful particles, improving the air quality indoors. I’ve discussed the benefits of these purifiers in several of my videos and this is the air purifier I have in my home: https://amzn.to/3CNbWge Quick Tips for Wildfire Smoke Safety:Stop or Reduce Outdoor Physical Activity when air quality is poor: This prevents inhalation of particles deep into the lungs and the bloodstream.Stay Cool and Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body cool and hydrated.Move to Cleaner Air: If possible, go to places with cleaner air, such as shopping malls or libraries.Keep Windows Closed: Ensure your home and place of business remains free of outdoor smoke.For more insights on air pollution, microplastics, and the microbiome, you can check out Dr. Lin's full presentation on the Friendly Pharmacy 5 channel. Additionally, if you are interested in HEPA air purifiers, I recommend watching my video on improving home ventilation with the Honeywell HPA160C Air Purifier, available here. It has made a huge difference in our home both during wildfire season and respiratory season, and it would be an excellent addition to consider for areas of your pharmacy where airflow and access to clean air may be limited. The Canadian Pharmacy Association also has an excellent Medication and Emergency Preparedness Infographic for patients on medications and emergency preparedness that can be accessed here. You could consider sharing this not only in your place of practice, but also across your social media channels, I’m sure your patients will find it helpful.Lindsay Dixon is a pharmacist, consultant, health content creator, and public health ambassador for Heart Pharmacy Group. She is also the founder of Friendly Pharmacy 5 & CreateRx. For collaborations or consulting services: www.friendlypharmacy5.com

The consequences of air pollution and what you can do

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics