What are the concerns regarding pollution and chronic inflammatory diseases?
It is normal for people in the US to fear the removal of Obamacare, however if you think that is the most important impact under the policies of president Donald Trump, then think again: Get ready for more chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to cancer and other related diseass. This we say, since the very same issues that cause climate change are also those who impact the environment. Not only PM2.5 pollution levels, but diesel and fuel (gasoline) emissions and the size of the vehicles we drive in the US compared to Europe and the rest of the world, by definition, is what makes Americans so ill (and chronically so). On the other hand, if common sense prevails and the US remains committed to the Paris climate change agreement, there is less health consequences to fear: fewer strokes, heart disease, cancer and all of the various health problems related to environmental and air pollution. Could leaders like Elon Musk with his Tesla green cars inspire all of us? one should hope so! What I can say, is that Americans could care less about mr. Trump visiting the queen of England or her PM theresa may: what they DO care about, increasingly, is the environment and the hollistic approach to health, as opposed to treating symptoms.
The US is not alone – some EU countries are slipping down the scale again!
However the US is not alone in fearing the health consequences under Mr. Trump: In Greece, for example, people are turning to wood and all sorts of polluting fuels to make fires in their homes – literally taking the country back to the stone age. The result of the recession also means that more smog producing vehicles are on the roads. Furthermore, Greeks are completely ignorring no smoking signs and EU legislation on public health: They openly defy it and will smoke anywhere, anytime. Honestly, this behaviour makes one think that after 7 years of crisis, they have a lot more to learn (or some people never learn, as they say).
What you can do about your air quality:
For yourself: a lot… for the world, well: change is a lenghthy process. Smart cities and green energy will take a while to have it’s desired effect. Perhaps in countries like Brazil and Israel, we will see the desired outcomes sooner than in the “first world”, where our industries are severely addicted to dirty money from oil. So unless you live in a green city with less than 200 000 people, you might be one of those who would like a self sustained lifestyle property, outside of town, perhaps near a smaller villiage of about 3000 people, where the air is clean and local amenities are available.
The general consensus is the Trump is better for world peace and peace with Russia, however we hope that his administration can be influenced positive with regards to the environment. As an aspiring Jesuit, Tony Abbott said in Australia: “Our country will not put the environment ahead of the economy”. Well fine, but what can you do then to put your own health ahead of your pay package? Think about it!
For your information, if you have indoor air pollution – which many apartment owners have in “inner” cities, this is the list of unavoidable issues:
- Rhinitis, nasal congestion (inflammation of the nose, runny nose)
- Epistaxis (nose bleeds)
- Dyspnea (difficulty of breathing or painful breathing)
- Pharyngitis (sore throat), cough
- Wheezing, worsening asthma
- Severe lung disease
- Conjunctival (eye) irritation
- Rashes
- Fever, chills
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat, sometimes leading to shortness of breath)
- Headache or dizziness
- Lethargy, fatigue, malaise
- Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Hearing loss
