The health benefits of green living: Going green reduces your risk of asthma

Going green protects the Earth and our health (cbarunpatro / sxc.hu)

As discussed in the previous article, air pollution has a dramatic effect on the lungs. This is due to what is known as particulate matter -- tiny particles of soot, dust, vehicle exhaust particles, and chemical matter -- that is suspended in polluted air. As a person breathes in, they inhale this particulate matter and it becomes lodged in the lungs. This can lead to several lung problems, including asthma.

Studies and hospital records show more people are hospitalized due to asthma when air pollution increases. Conversely, hospitalizations are less common as air quality improves. Each person who uses one or more green living techniques to reduce air pollution is lowering the risk of asthma for everyone in the community.

• For tips on green living techniques to reduce air pollution, see the previous article in this series: The health benefits of green living: Going green reduces your risk of lung cancer

Going green in the house reduces asthma and improves breathing
Toxic cleaning products, air fresheners, and other home chemicals contain compounds called Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC). Several studies show a connection between VOC fumes and an increased risk of asthma and decreased lung function.

For example, one study on VOCs found a common chemical in home products (1,4 dicholorobenzene) causes a 4% reduction in lung function. This chemical is found in products such as air fresheners, disinfectants, anti-mildew products, mothballs, and pesticides.

To make matters worse, many of these toxic home chemicals come in spray bottles and aerosol cans. A study conducted in Europe found people who used common cleaning products in spray form -- furniture polish, glass cleaners, and air fresheners -- had a 50% higher risk of developing asthma.

"Everybody knows that cigarette smoke and car emissions are the kinds of chemicals that can trigger asthma, but maybe we better look at things that are in our everyday life, like air fresheners," said Dr. Jennifer Appleyard, chief of allergy and immunology at St. John Hospital in Detroit, as quoted by US News & World Report.

Dr. Appleyard's advice on the matter?

"Try to go green with your cleaning products...You can't control pollution or pollen, but you can control your exposure to cleaning products, and it's a good idea to control anything you can, because these changes occur slowly over time."

Finding ready-made green living cleaning products in Indianapolis
Meijer produces its own line of non-toxic cleaners under their Meijer Naturals label. These products are non-toxic, all natural, and biodegradable. They also do a very effective job in cleaning. Use the Meijer Store Locator to find the closest Indianapolis area location.

Seventh Generation makes a large line of environmentally safe cleaning products, including all-purpose, kitchen & bath, laundry, disinfectants, and carpet cleaners. Their products are sold throughout Indianapolis at Marsh, Kroger, Walgreens, and Whole Foods. Visit the Seventh Generation website for coupons and a product finder.

Next article: Going green reduces your risk of heart disease