Recent scientific studies are showing a strong link between being overweight or obese and the increased risk of developing asthma. Although people originally believed that asthma led to obesity because the individual was unable to participate in strenuous physical activity, studies are now indicating that obesity actually triggers asthma.
Although the reason is not yet known, some speculate that people with excess weight have compressed airways which make them more reactive to cold and other asthma triggers. Others believe that is too simplistic of a theory and are looking into a possible genetic link between asthma and obesity.
To fully understand who may be at increased risk for developing asthma, we must understand how the scientific study results were measured. Those that are considered 'normal weight' have a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25. On the other hand, those that are overweight and obese have a BMI of 25-29.0 and above 30, respectively.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways making them sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation. As the airways react to sensitive particles found in the air, they constrict making it difficult to breathe because less air is flowing to the individual's lung tissue. As a result, the asthma sufferer experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.
It is estimated that approximately 7% of the U.S. population suffer from asthma, but with obesity rates at 65%, the incidence of asthma is also expected to rise dramatically. Additional studies have proven that obese and overweight people are 50% more likely to get asthma than those of normal weight.
Whatever the link may be between obesity and asthma, it is imperative to find a way to control the asthma so that people affected can live active lives with few and infrequent symptoms. Thankfully, there is hope from a source that many may not have even considered - UV (ultraviolet) light disinfection.
Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC's (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don't utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate the lungs of overweight and obese individuals suffering with asthma.
However, a UV clarifier is not only helpful for people suffering from asthma or those that are overweight or obese and want to prevent their chances of getting asthma. UV purifiers eliminate a wide variety of other air pollutants including airborne viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. As a result, those who utilize the technology found in UV air purifiers can experience a quality of life that may not otherwise be possible.
Many people fail to recognize how many pollutants surround them on a daily basis. While most understand the affects that outdoor pollutants such as city smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, and factory waste have on their health and breathing, yet they often underestimate the toxins that are found inside the homes and buildings we work in on a daily basis. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, gaining control of the indoor air quality will play a significant part in our health and livelihood.
Ultraviolet light has been a trusted source for over fifty years as scientists are continuing to understand that ultraviolet air purification systems are able to provide the same benefits as the UV rays found in sunlight at successfully removing impurities from the air.
A select few air probe sanitizers contain a UV germicidal bulb which produces purifying hydroxyls, negative ions, and ultraviolet light to clean indoor air of pollutants. The UV light unit is installed in a building's HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) system, needing only minimal care and producing tremendous results. Every HVAC system has the ability to utilize a UV clarifier, and after only twenty-four hours of use, air is cleaned so that one can actually feel the difference of the UV disinfection.
These quick results can be attributed to the fact that the air in a building circulates through an HVAC system from 250 to 400 times per day. As air passes by the UV germicidal bulb of the air probe sanitizer, pollutants are destroyed. Ultraviolet light mutilates the DNA of micro-organisms, causing them to be incapable of reproduction and thus harmless to humans. UV disinfection is the only way to rid indoor air of such tiny micro-organisms as they are too small to be trapped by a filter.
As a result of using an ultraviolet air purification system, your indoor air quality can be improved significantly resulting in cleaner air that is easier to breathe; thus, eliminating health related concerns due to harmful indoor pollutants and allergens.
Hot summer air can feel awful to breathe. Between the humidity, car fumes, and truck fumes, breathing outside feels insufferable. Have you ever considered that it may actually be worse to breathe indoor air than outdoor air? This may be a change in mentality for many people, but there could potentially be more harmful air contaminants in your home or at your office than outside. How can this be? What kinds of harmful contaminants could you be breathing right now?
Air Contaminants
There may be various contaminants in our homes and offices keeping us from breathing clean air. Molds and allergens are the most common. When moisture builds up from leaks or condensation, mold has just the right conditions for growth. Dehumidifying the air can help prevent a mold problem. While mold will not affect everyone the same way, it will cause serious problems for people who already have respiratory diseases like asthma. Most people have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes because of how dangerous it is. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. What does this mean? When your HVAC system or space heater isn't functioning properly, it can release harmful carbon monoxide particles into the air, particles that can prevent you from getting the oxygen you need to survive.
Radon exposure can cause serious diseases, such as lung cancer. Building materials can be a source for radon, so if you work in construction or are involved in a project, consider having tests done to check on the amount of radon in the air. What can you do to protect yourself and your family from these types of air toxins? Change the air conditioning filters.
Air Conditioning Filters
Filters in the air conditioning system capture dirt, dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander from the air in your home. When these filters fill with materials, they aren't able to continue to effectively filter the air any longer. The last thing you want is that type of bacteria building up in your home, so changing your air filters on a regular basis is important. It may also help to upgrade your air filters to a more expensive brand. They may be able to clean the air in your home more effectively than the cheaper brands. Filters that cost around $5 each look like a pleated cloth. These filers can even keep smoke from settling in your home. The pleated pattern catches the harmful materials yet still allows the air to flow through the HVAC system to keep it functioning correctly.
How often should you change your filters? Once a month is best. Even if the instructions on the package say 90 days, the amount of dirt in your home may be more than what the filter accounts for, especially if you have kids or pets. If you are serious about improving the air quality in your home, when an HVAC technician comes to perform maintenance on your unit, ask about high-efficiency filters. These filters are more expensive, but are well worth the cost because of their performance quality. They only need to be changed once a year and can substantially improve the air in your home. They are designed for specific systems, so make sure you let your HVAC technician choose the right one for your home and install it for you.
Electronic Air Cleaners
You can purchase an additional air purifier for your home if you want. These are probably not necessary for most homes, but if you are someone or live with someone who has a respiratory condition, an air cleaner may help. You can get one that attaches to your HVAC unit or you can get one that sits in a particular room. Not all of these models work the same way, so make sure you are purchasing for quality over price. These systems can make sure that there are absolutely no contaminants in the air in addition to your air conditioning filters, almost like a back up system.
Green Technology
If you want to go a step beyond the type of air conditioning filters and really try to help the environment, consider an HVAC system designed to be green. You can choose a unit that conserves energy as it runs. Some systems are designed to function only when they detect harmful gases in the air. Rather than running all day when there are no contaminants in the air, a sensor can detect the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and remove it before it becomes harmful to you. This way, you are keeping your home safe while simultaneously protecting the environment.
What is the simplest way to make sure the air is clean? Open the windows every once and a while and get some fresh air inside. Even if you work in a city with a lot of outdoor pollution, outdoor air can still be better for you to breathe than indoor air.
Both Mary Coyle & Kristin Kronstain are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mary Coyle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Health and Global Warming. Clean Air with Ultraviolet offers a variety of easy-to-use, low-maintenance, energy efficient products that will get the results you are seeking. Whether you are looking for room or car ionizers or central UV-C systems, we guarantee that ultraviolet air p. Mary Coyle's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Kristin Kronstain has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Home Improvement and Education Toys. teaches students the dangers of indoor air and the precautions for keeping it clean. Students learn the latest green desi. Kristin Kronstain's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.