[ALERT] Are You Breathing in CANCER?
It goes without saying that air pollution is bad for you.
It STARTS with your lungs, harming your respiratory health. But the damage from breathing in that toxic air certainly doesn’t STOP there.
In fact, as I explained recently when the Canadian wildfires left much of the United States blanketed under a toxic haze, air pollution is linked to all kinds of unexpected health complications, from heart troubles to fungal infections.
But now researchers have uncovered a startling new link between air pollution and two potential killers. And seniors may face the BIGGEST risk.
The damage that air pollution does to our lungs is well documented. But toxic air does far more harm than just cause respiratory problems.
New research published in the journal Environmental Epidemiology revealed a strong link between air pollution and colorectal and prostate cancers. Links to breast and endometrial cancers were seen as well.
These risks could apply to anyone, but the study focused on folks 65 and older.
In light of this new research, you should know two alarming facts about air pollution.
- Around 36 percent of Americans live in areas where air pollution is a problem, exceeding acceptable exposure levels set by national standards.
- The link between air pollution and colorectal and prostate cancers was seen even in places that DON’T have high levels.
In other words, we’re ALL at risk.
We’ve known for a long time that air pollution can raise the risk of lung cancer, but this study is a sobering reminder that we need to be concerned about FAR more than our lung health alone.
Researchers theorize that harmful particles in the air that are tiny enough to pass directly into the bloodstream and eventually reach the prostate and colon. Once there, they can trigger cancer growth.
(For more details on the tiny air pollution particles called particulate matter, check out my earlier report on wildfire smoke HERE.)
Now, you might be throwing your arms up in exasperation at this point. After all, what can YOU do about your exposure to air pollution, right?
Trust me, I get it. But the good news is you can do a LOT more than you may think.
- Many online sites that monitor air quality. I like one called PurpleAir. They sell air quality sensors but make their air pollution data freely available to everyone. Plus, there are air quality apps for your smartphone that provide local and current conditions. On days when the air quality isn’t good, don’t go outside any more than you have to.
- Don’t exercise when the air quality is bad (ESPECIALLY outdoors). If you can’t bear skipping a workout on those days, do it first thing in the morning.
- Fix up your house so that it doesn’t let good air out and poor air in. Check for and seal gaps around doors and windows. If you can smell smoke on days when there are wildfires, your doors and windows are leaky.
- Stock your pantry and freezer to have enough food on hand for poor air quality days.
- If you HAVE to be outside on high air pollution days, consider wearing an N-95 mask.
These simple steps alone could slash your exposure and reduce your risk for these killer cancers.
P.S. If you’re like most folks, you spend 90 percent of your day indoors. But in many cases, indoor air pollution can be worse than what you face outside. CLICK HERE to find out what you can do to fix it.
Source:
Wei Y, et al. “Additive effects of 10-year exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 and primary cancer incidence in American older adults.” Environmental Epidemiology. 2023;7(4):e265. doi:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000265
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...
These Common Kitchen Tools Could Triple Your Cancer Risk
Could you do me a favor? Take a look in your kitchen drawers. Do you spot any black plastic spatulas or spoons? If so, please keep reading… Because researchers have just discovered something about these common kitchen tools, you can’t afford to miss. They could literally be making you sick. Here’s why… A shocking study...
“Habit Stacking” Hack Helps New Year’s Resolutions Stick
We’ve all been there. January 1st rolls around, and we boldly declare, “This is the year I’m going to lose weight!” But by the second Friday of January, most well-intentioned resolutions are already gathering dust. There’s even a name for it… National Quitters Day. In fact, a report by Strava a few years ago shows...