Healthy air quality increases predictions of life expectancy

Particulate matter

Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM) or fine particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas or liquid. Sources of particulate matter can be man made or natural.

The effects on humans of inhaling air polluted with particulates have been widely reported and include asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular issues, and premature death. Increasing particulates in air reduces predictions of life expectancy. A report confirms particulate-driven mortality for Sacramento, CA.
 

But is the opposite true as well? That is, can reductions of particulate matter in air increase predictions of life expectancy? There is good news. The answer is yes!

In a recent report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was revealed that over about a 20 year study period, life expectancy of people living in and around 51 U.S. metropolitan areas in 217 counties increased on average by 2.72 years. 15% of that increase (up to 5 months) is attributable to the reduction of particulate pollution in the air.
 

In particular, the report found that suppression over the 20 year study period of the airborne level of particulate matter of 2.5 microns or smaller in size by 10 micrograms or more per cubic meter of city air increased life expectancies by 5 months.
 

The report’s results are evidence of the ongoing population health benefits from reducing airborne levels of particulate pollution. It did not speak to the individual. However, these findings suggest three practical air quality tasks individuals ought to implement.
 

First, quit smoking. The harmful effects of smoking dwarf those of air pollution.
 

Second, avoid dangerous air quality locations. If possible, select living and work locations a half-mile or more away from major roadways and industrial locations, sites of significant production of airborne particulates.
 

Third, generate healthy indoor air quality in the home. Home indoor air quality is critical to human health. It is so important, the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a call to action to generate healthy indoor air quality in all homes. In practice, this means eliminating second hand smoke, carbon monoxide and radon from the indoor air at home. It also means implementing an integrated medically-based and engineer-driven program in the home that results in ongoing suppression to low risk disease levels of allergens, irritants, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds.

Such a home with this level of sustained healthy indoor air quality is a recommended location during “bad outside air” days.
 

According to a New England Journal of Medicine editorial, the cited report provides direct confirmation of the population health benefits of reducing air pollution and greatly strengthens the foundation of the argument for air-quality management. Rejoice and take action.
 

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Frank Hagie is the President & CEO of Allergen Safe Homes, a respiratory disease company. The business sells medically effective allergen avoidance products for the home. These are healthcare services and medical devices for the more effective prevention and management of allergic asthma and respiratory allergies.