Medical Report: Poor air quality hurts much more than breathing

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It has been known for quite some time that poor air quality can hurt the lungs and negatively affect breathing, but new studies suggest that lung damage is just the tip of the iceberg.

Cigarette smokers who live in big cities are at greatest risk. However, new studies have associated air pollution with a growing number of problems. Poor air quality increases inflammation, which can affect the heart. It also leads to autoimmune issues — this has a major influence on the development of arthritis.

It doesn’t stop there. According to a major Italian study, there can be an affect on mental health, as those who live in environments with poor air quality are at greater risk for depression.

Finally, increases in skin cancer are concurrent with depletion of the ozone layer. Bottom line, our health is directly tied to environmental changes.

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.

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