Inhaling air, a source of major diseases

Inhaling air, a source of major diseases
The world all over is waking up to a new kind of health hazard. Air pollution is causing havoc like never before. Emissions from automobiles, factory emissions and other wastes are increasing the potentially killer particles in the atmosphere.

Recent studies have revealed that these dangerous particles are responsible for causing strokes. A blood clot is formed in the brain which eventually leads to a stroke. Initially, previous reports had shown that air pollution was one of the major causes of heart attacks and other cardiovascular ailments. This major discovery has sent the alarm bells ringing. These kinds of strokes are called Ischemic strokes.

In the case of an Ischemic stroke, the blood flow is blocked to the brain due to a blood clot. The cases of Ischemic strokes reported were relatively higher when the air pollution on those days was high. This was found in some of the leading cities in US.

Although the percentage of the population affected is quite small, researchers feel that this could lead to enormous proportions, since a large number of people all over are getting exposed. Some facts have sent the pulse racing. One in every 45 seconds in the US suffers a stroke.

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A whopping 19,000 hemorrhagic strokes and 150,000 Ischemic strokes were reported on those days when the air pollution was relatively high This calls for quick action. Experts have revealed that the hazardous particles in the air have to be reduced. Although no direct relationship has been established between hemorrhagic strokes and air pollution, an extensive study is being carried out.

An astounding 700,000 Americans suffer from strokes every year with the majority of the cases being Ischemic strokes. The American Stroke Association has explained, when a clot blocks a brain artery an Ischemic stroke occurs.

The main culprits causing air pollution are refineries, power plants, truck exhausts and car exhausts. Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Carbon monoxide are the other pollutants which are extremely harmful to human health. Till now, a relationship had been established between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases.

With the occurrence of stokes widening, the medical fraternity is working on the relationship between air pollution and strokes. If proved, it may call in for the imposition of strict legislations. What is shocking is the fact that 20,000 premature deaths occur every year. Surely, the need of the hour is to reduce the inflow of pollutant particles in the atmosphere.