Air Quality & Safety

AIR QUALITY

It is something that is forever around us. All humans need it to survive. All humans consume it. We share it with other living beings such as mammals. It is something that kills other living species if they consume it. It can be toxic or clean. Above all, it is something most individuals on this planet take for granted because the mechanism in which we use it is more involuntary than it is voluntary. Guessed what it is yet? (if the title of the blog didn't give it away already!). The "it" is air. 

Our external environment is not the only factor that impacts our air quality. The choices we make and how we treat the environment around us can negatively impact the quality of our air. 

Let's look at a few different constructs of how air quality is analyzed, the implications on the environment and human health. 

AIR QUALITY HEALTH CONCERNS

The Air Quality Index (AQI), is one main mechanism researchers use to analyze the levels of air quality and how to quantify potential toxicity. Additionally, these following six levels provide a recommendation as to what is "acceptable" for human health and when to be aware of negative health effects of exposure:

• Good- this level is considered healthy and poses little or no risk in relation to air pollution.
• Moderate- this level is deemed acceptable. The air quality may have some air pollutants and cause small groups health problems.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- the general public is often not effected within this level. However, groups of individuals that may have a heightened sensitivity to air pollutants has a risk of experiencing adverse health effects. 
• Unhealthy- this level begins to effect everyone. Sensitive groups can experience more profound negative health responses.
• Very Unhealthy- entire population is likely to be effected and considered in a class of emergency response.
• Hazardous- this level is a serious health alert and everyone is likely to experience serious health effects.

AIR QUALITY INDEX FORECASTS

For the state of Ohio, five major cities are listed within the Air Quality Index Forecasts. We will give a brief overview of each. 

• Cleveland/Akron/Lorrain- Good-Moderate range 40's-60's
• Youngstown- Moderate-Good (50-55) not much deviation, small range
• Cincinnati- Good-Moderate (40's as the low, and 60 as the high range)
• Dayton- Good-Moderate (40-53 for ozone and pollutant)
• Columbus- Good* (all green levels. 41-50)

STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SIP)

A state implementation plan, also known as SIP, is a collection of regulations that a state will utilize to enforce and take action on to clean polluted areas. This guides state health and other officials to promote proactiveness and support the Clean Air Act. 

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)

These standards, enabled by the EPA, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, apply to the outdoor air (and quality) throughout the country. 

SIP STANDARDS (OZONE)

• Ozone- 2015's report= 0.070ppm (parts per million)
• Lead- 2008 revision= 0.15ug/m3
• Nitrogen Dioxide- 2010 revision= 100ppb (parts per billion)
• Sulfur Dioxide- 2010= 75ppb (parts per billion)
• PM 2.5- 2012 annual report= 12.0 ug/m3

OHIO EPA

At the state level, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working diligently to ensure the protection and safety of not only the external environment around us, but education on what we can do to change our internal environment as well. Safety regulations, health initiatives, and awareness are all important tools to better enhance our health as it pertains to air quality and safety. 

Cell Phones: Cancer-Causing Dangers and Negative Health Effects

We've all done it. We place the cell phone up to our ear and the side of our head when talking. It would seem only natural. In fact, according to a report in 2015, over 68% of americans own a smartphone. That number increases exponentially when including all cell phone types. With how dependent the world has become on digital devices and cell phones specifically, will there ever be a change in behavior as it relates to cancer and tumor development from cell phone use?

If not, maybe some of these recommendations and research will help you decide.

DISTANCE FROM HEAD

If you have ever purchased a brand new cell phone, you may have easily over looked vital health information in the owner's manual. Almost every major cell phone manufacturer includes in the instructions a health disclaimer that the cell phone should never physically be placed against the head, ear or face. In fact, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the recommended distance from the head is 0.98 inches-1 inch. This disclaimer is also supported by the cell phone manuals and manufacturing companies. However, how many people do we see that actually heed these health warnings? Cancer and malignant tumors around the face, eyes, and brain area are not the only locations that pose concern. 

CARRYING CELL PHONE ON BODY

Same dangers occur when carrying the cell phone in pockets or a women's bra. Studies are now reporting reduce fertility in men and greater risks of breast cancer and cancerous tumors near the chest in women who carry their cell phone in their bra over an extended period of time. 

Medical professionals recommend limiting the time using the cell phone and maintaining a proper distance from the cellular device. 

HEATING VS. NON-HEATING EFFECTS

Radiation, as it relates to heat, can be categorized into two main constructs: ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is defined as having enough energy to break or remove tight bonds from atoms creating ions. Some sources in our environment that are ionizing radiation would include: nuclear power generators, x-rays, and consumer products. Additionally, some naturally-occurring environmental sources of ionizing radiation comes from cosmic rays and geological formations. For example, Radon, is produced by the decay of uranium and radium. It's nine times denser than air.

In contrast, non-ionizing is a series of energy waves composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Examples include microwaves, radio wave frequencies, and UVA, UVB radiation.

WIFI

In a modern technological age now, where everyone seems to be connected to the internet, electronics, and other devices as a way to interact with the world, we are profoundly dependent upon WiFi. WiFi technology is still a rather new concept in just the last decade. Much research is still to be completed upon the potential adverse health risks with wifi signals. 

ELF'S

With the current research and technology out today, there seems to be no short-term adverse health effects produced by Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation. Examples of these mechanisms include power lines, wiring in buildings, and some electronics. ELF's travel at the speed of light and are measured in Hertz. 

Glyphosate (aka ROUNDUP): Monsanto and Environmental Danger

We live in a dichotomous society. That statement in and of itself can pack a punch, so I'll elaborate. We live in a culture where we are constantly instilled with ideologies of individualism and illustrating one's uniqueness. While, at the same time, we are profoundly socioculturally dependent beings. Just think about an average day of your life. What things are we dependent upon for our survival? Heat, shelter, food, water, just to name a few at the top of the list. Long-term, we can expand and include our health: we are dependent upon a health care system (i.e., medical professionals, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, etc.)

While we pride ourselves in being individualistic, we also are some of the most dependent species on the planet. So, why does this matter? When we think about some of the leading pharmaceutical brands on the market that have greatly impacted the quality of life for millions, what name comes to mind? Bayer. But before we get to understanding the devastation that awaits us with Bayer, let's acquire some back story with a Monsanto product and investigate the severe environmental dangers that we currently live with.

ROUND UP (GLYPHOSATE)

Glyphosate is a phosphonate chemical compound which is utilized as a broad-spectrum herbicide. In 1964, the first patented was acquired for glyphosate by Stauffer Chemical. Initially, glyphosate was used as a metal chelator: to clean commercial boilers and pipes. In 1974, glyphosate acquired it's commercial name Round Up and was first registered for use in the United States. 

HOW MUCH IS USED IN U.S. /GLOBALLY?

Since it was first registered for commercial use in 1974, more than 3.5 billion pounds has been used across the United States alone. It is stated that Round Up is the most heavily used herbicide in history. Globally, the numbers are even more astounding. Over 18.9 billion pounds of glyphosate is used around the world.

HOW IS ROUND UP USED?

In the United States... over 750 products contain glyphosate and are sold commercially at various stores. Many products are either sprays (e.g., liquid form), salts, or powders used as herbicides agricultural desiccants, or other lawn treatments. Unfortunately, in the recent years, over 9 household name brands of cereal and other breakfast foods have been found to contain trace amounts of glyphosate. Cheerios, Ritz crackers, and Khasi cookies are included in the group that contained residual amounts of this probable human carcinogen. 

Now, with the World Health Organization and the FDA involved, in the past year, more foods and consumables have been further tested and monitored to see just how far Monsanto has gone.

Globally... glyphosate is used in similar ways. It impacts agriculture, produce village's food and drinking sources. Some industrial companies still utilize this chemical as a strong metal chelator. In 2010, glyphosate was patented as a human antibiotic. Extremely shocking that this chemical could be authorized for human consumption when it is a well-known carcinogen. 

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL HARM

Glyphosate is toxic in the human body. However, this poses a question as to why this chemical is currently found in many foods, drinks, and used within our environment where it can enter into the human body? Not surprisingly, in January 2017 Bayer and Monsanto have announced a corporate merger worth over 2.5 billion dollars. Bayer is a common household name, not only in pharmaceuticals, but overall public health of the nation. Many people have utilized Bayer for cardiovascular health. 

With the devastating history Monsanto has, many public health officials are profoundly concerned about what this merger will bring. The FDA and WHO has reported the chemical Monsanto has created is a profound cancer-causing agent. Yet, what other health and environmental concerns should we be aware of with glyphosate? 

Some symptoms of (acute) exposure to glyphosate can include: 

• nausea (e.g., burns to the mouth and throat)

             • vomiting

• diarrhea 

• exposure risks to domestic pets (cats and dogs)

Common foods such as honey, soy sauce, and breakfast cereals have levels of glyphosate in them as well. From an environmental perspective, the harm is massive as well. Within our agricultural system, many farmers are utilizing Round Up on their crops. These crops then, enter into our ecosystem and the foods that we consume. We then, get this toxic chemical in our bloodstream. So, how has Round Up influenced the foods that we survive off of?

ROUND UP READY CROPS

All GMO's are round up ready crops. This means, these particular crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to Round Up exposure. This would cause the crops themselves to continue growing and living while the weeds surrounding it would be killed off. 

Overall, the harmful effects of exposure to glyphosate on the human body and the environment are astounding. The FDA and World Health Organization are continuing to regulate and enforce the exposure levels of this deadly chemical in foods and drinking water, but more action must be taken. We are accountable for our own health and environment. Take precaution and make small choices now, that can impact future generations for a life time.