'Nitrogen Oxides' (NOx) in The Air is Linked to Bronchitis
26 May 2023
Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lungs that some people call a chest cold. It can be a miserable, but minor, illness that follows a viral illness like the common cold -- or may follow a more serious condition like a chronic smoker's hack. Bronchitis can also be caused by exposure to smoke, chemical irritants, or bacteria.
Typically, when discussing air pollution and air quality, the primary focus is on particle pollution and ozone pollution. However, a recent study conducted by the University of California (UC) Davis Health System has shifted attention to nitrogen oxides, which are gaseous lung irritants originating from the same sources responsible for particle pollution.
Studies Revealed the Relation between Nitrogen Oxide and Bronchitis:
This new study has revealed that nitrogen oxides significantly contribute to the increased occurrence of acute bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses among children residing in areas with high pollution levels.
Moreover, the study suggests that the current safety thresholds for nitrogen oxide levels may pose a risk to young children. The findings of this study were recently published in the journal Environmental International.
Among children aged 1 to 2 years, the relationship between increased nitrogen oxide levels and acute respiratory illness was found to be the strongest. The researchers discovered that when exposed to 35 micrograms per cubic meter of nitrogen oxides, the incidence of acute bronchitis increased by approximately 30 percent.
Under normal circumstances, the concentration of nitrogen oxides indoors is roughly half that of outdoor levels. However, in households where gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and similar devices are used, indoor nitrogen oxide levels can sometimes surpass that outdoors, necessitating proper ventilation.
While high-performance HEPA air purifiers have been proven effective against particle pollution (with PetriMed CA Air Purification Systems capable of reducing ultrafine particles by 99.999% filtration efficiency), addressing gases requires a specialized filter. For instance, PetriMed CA APS 400 air purification systems incorporate filters explicitly designed to tackle gases in addition to their particle filtration systems.
Conclusion:
Your lungs work all day and night, whether you are awake or asleep. That is 20,000 or so breaths per day! By the time you are 50, you have taken around 400 million breaths.
Diseases like COVID-19 and its variants, which can attack the lungs, shine a light on how important these organs are. They get oxygen into your blood and into every cell in your body. And they help get rid of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is toxic if you have too much. Therefore, breathing safe and healthy air is utmost important to lead a healthy and virus free life.
By removing airborne pollutants such as dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses, a reliable air purifier provides cleaner and purer air for you and your loved ones to breathe. This can significantly decrease the exposure to irritants and potential respiratory triggers that can exacerbate bronchitis symptoms.
Investing in a medical-grade air purifier for home like PetriMed CA Air Purification System is a proactive step towards creating a healthier indoor environment, especially for those susceptible to bronchitis, such as individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and young children.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to bronchitis. Take control of the air you breathe by incorporating a home air purifier into your living spaces. You can reduce the risk of bronchitis and promote better respiratory health for yourself and your loved ones.