The number of individuals affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), commonly called “Smoker’s Cough” has been found to be just as prevalent in non-smokers as in current or past smokers. Public awareness of the disease is too low for comfort, especially when COPD claims as many lives annually as AIDS. More than 2.5 million people loose their lives to COPD every year.

 Part of the reason for the growing number of people with COPD may be primarily to do with the increase in pollution. Though outdoor pollution definitely plays its part in affect respiratory health, the majority of poor quality air is found indoors. At times, the levels of indoor air contamination far exceed the standards for outdoor air—one home in the study was more than 40 times higher than the recommended maximum levels for safe, breathable air.

Though indoor air pollution is most likely to affect smokers as opposed to non-smokers, it is still a growing concern for everyone.

 To read the entire article, check out www.foxnews.com

My Take:

The quality of air inside homes, offices and schools has become a hotbed for concern. In this article, found on foxnews.com, the emphasis is on recent research on the number of individuals with COPD, there are many respiratory diseases that are on the rise. Asthma occurrence has increased from 18% to 30%– which means the number of people with asthma has nearly doubled in eight years (the study compared the rates of lifetime diagnosis asthma from 1991 to those rates in 1999).

Part of the reason that indoor air quality has become such a top concern is because of the recent trends in construction techniques. In order to offer more energy efficient homes and buildings, construction of these structures is nearly air tight. Still, what can be a dream come true for your energy bills could be a nightmare for your health. It is estimated that newer constructions have 200% more allergens in the air than older, “draftier” homes. Another concern for new construction is the reemission of Volatile Organ Compounds (VOC’s).

While homes and businesses need to be built with energy conservation in mind, the necessary means of adapting to the new sorts of environments we create within buildings is essential. The solution is as simple as the use of an air purifier. Utilizing an air purifier will allow indoor air to be recycled and refreshed without any substantial loss of energy—so that modern energy conservation can merge with modern health standards.

HEPA quality air filters like those made by Dynamic Air Quality Solutions are perfect for removing allergens and other particulates like dust and cigarette smoke. For VOC’s, mold spores, chemicals and other odors, use a Biozone air purifier or a Air Oasis air purifier.