Study Reveals Underlying Cause of Heart Disease and Cancer

Dear Reader,

“So I can never open my windows? Great. I’ll be sick all the time…”

When I moved to Baltimore last September, I signed the lease for my apartment sight unseen.

Unfortunately, while advertised as a “coveted corner unit with extra windows,” the management company forgot to mention that none of the six windows actually open.

This means all of the air pollutants produced from one human, two dogs and one very large cat are trapped in my living space, and the only relief I get is through the minimal filtration of my HVAC system.

And while my landlord is vigilant about changing the HVAC filters and keeping the air ducts clean, which has kept my home air quality decent enough to prevent constant eye, nose, and throat irritation,  I wouldn’t say the air in my home is exactly “fresh.”

So I often think it would be great to get some fresh air circulating through my dwelling.

Or would it?

You see, according to a recent study, poor urban air quality is linked to the most common chronic health issues in modern times. And since I live in the center of an urban area, letting in the “fresh air” may be detrimental to my health and could even end in cancer and heart disease.

--Tiny Particles, Big Risks

A new study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention followed 66,820 adults who were 65 years of age or older in Hong Kong for 10–13 years.

During this time, the researchers tracked the causes of death of all participants throughout the study, specifically documenting cancer deaths.

Simultaneously, scientists collected hourly air samples. The data from the sampling was calculated to   estimate of the annual concentration of fine particulate matter (2.5 microns or smaller), which is a type of deadly air pollution. These concentrations helped to estimate each participant’s exposure to fine particulate matter over the length of the study.

Fine particulate matter contains acid, dust, metal, soil particles and mold spores, which contribute greatly to air pollution and can create a fog or haze (think smog).

Chinese Woman

A Chinese woman trying to decrease her intake of particulate matter with a breathing mask. Source:news.sina.com.cn

At the end of the study, researchers found that consistent exposure to fine particulate matter raises your chances of dying from cancer significantly.

In fact, for every 10 μg/m3 increase of particulate matter (for reference, New York City’s level is only 14μg/m3), the risk of dying from breast cancer increased 80 percent; 73 percent from vaginal cancers; 42 percent from cancers of the upper digestive tract; and 35 percent from cancer of the digestive organs, like the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

But the increase wasn’t just for these specific cancers. The results concluded that your chance of dying from any type of cancer increased by 22 percent for every 10 μg/m3 increase in exposure to fine particulate matter.

But the health dangers don’t stop there. Fine particulate matter is linked to other health issues and, more importantly, isn’t exclusive to China. Actually, there are North American cities that experience levels of fine particulate matter similar to those found in this Hong Kong-based study.

--Not Just China’s Problem

Data from cities all over the world show that deaths and hospital admissions from heart and lung issues increase greatly soon after spikes in air pollution levels.

Matter-Filled Smog over L.A

Particulate matter-filled smog hanging over Los Angeles, California. Source:www.arb.ca.gov

This is because these tiny particles can get deep into your lungs, and some can even enter your bloodstream, which, in turn, also trigger devastating symptoms like heart attack, aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.

And recently, air pollutants have been linked to other severe conditions like diabetes, obesity, autism and cognitive decline. To sum it up, poor air quality could be the cause of the most common chronic health issues you are faced with today.

The problem is you’re going to be exposed, regardless of if your windows open or not. Outdoor air will seep into your home through ventilation systems and regular opening of doors and windows. This means you need to protect yourself from fine particulate matter in your home.

One way to do this is with a quality air purifier.

Air purifiers use HEPA filters to drastically reduce the levels of fine particulate matter in your home — some HEPA filters can filter out particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. This means the filter can reduce your exposure to these cancer- and heart attack-linked particles.

In fact, one study shows that HEPA filters can reduce the overall level of indoor fine particulate matter by 40 percent.

Another important feature to look for in an air purifier is a carbon-activated filter. These filters can remove impurities and contaminants and is some cases can remove up to 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants when coupled with a HEPA filtration system.

I recently purchased the Alexapure Breeze air purification system, and I’m now breathing easy. The air in my home is fresher, and I can already feel difference in my energy and overall well-being.

Live well,

Natalie Moore's Signature

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily


Sources

[1] Urban Air Pollution and Increased Mortality Rates

[2] HEPA Air Filters May Improve Cardiovascular Health

[3] Alexapure Breeze Energy-Efficient HEPA + IonCluster Air Purification System – White

Natalie Moore

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More Free Articles

Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First

Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s   more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...

Read This

Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”

Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...

Read This

The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track

Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...

Read This

Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain

Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...

Read This

Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries

“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...

Read This

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This