Breathing in pollutants over time proves to affect your health in more ways than one. From asthma to cardiovascular disease, living in smog can be potentially dangerous!
In recent developments, experts indicated the connection between air pollution and dementia, determining whether breathing in contaminants have an effect on cognitive abilities. Continue reading to learn more!
What Is Air Quality?
The Air Quality Index is a thorough representation of air pollution levels within an area. Operating on a scale from 0-500, the AQI determines whether air quality is unhealthy for individuals.
Based on air quality standards, the index analyzes the presence of the major pollutants and sizes of particulate matter in the environment.
- 0 to 50 – Good
- 51 to 100 – Moderate
- 101 to 150 – Unsafe for Sensitive Groups
- 151 to 200 – Unhealthy
- 201 to 300 – Very Unhealthy
- 301 to 500 - Hazardous
Often if pollutant levels rise over 100, this would indicate poor, unhealthy air quality for those present.
How Does Air Pollution Increase the Risk for Dementia?
While poor air quality has plenty of adverse health effects, the link between pollution and dementia is becoming a significant topic with supporting evidence. Over the last decade, studies show that poor air quality can increase the risk of older adults developing dementia and experiencing cognitive decline in their future.
Many experts believe the development occurs due to the impact of pollutants traveling into the circulatory system, ultimately interrupting blood flow to the brain. Older adults who experience chronic exposure to air pollution show faster cognitive decline than those who mitigate air pollution in their surroundings.
How Can You Mitigate Air Pollution?
While no amount of air pollution is safe for older adults, it’s essential to mitigate the effects of poor air quality. Sensitive groups can limit their time outdoors in areas that contain high concentration of pollutants.
But the battle should not end there! It also helps to purchase air filtration and HVAC systems to ensure filters are up to date. As a significant component that traps air pollutants and particulate matter, pleated furnace filters can eliminate contaminants before they travel within an area.
While research developments are relatively recent, the evidence indicating a connection between air pollution and dementia is substantial. When chronically exposed to particulate matter, these particles can accelerate cognitive decline and other diseases.
However, everything isn’t out of your control! Adjust your environment and reduce the risk by installing a quality air filter into your HVAC system. For more information, contact us at Remember The Filter.
