[ALERT] Are You Breathing in CANCER?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 30, 2023
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.
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