Cleaner Air = Fewer Deaths

Submitted by Dr. George Traitses

Duke University researchers recently looked at changes in air quality and deaths from respiratory diseases from 1993 to 2010 and found a strong correlation between better air and fewer deaths. Using population data from North Carolina, where the researchers are based, the study showed that when sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide decreased markedly month to month, so did deaths from emphysema, asthma and pneumonia.

Even after controlling for smoking and seasonal variations in respiratory death rates, the correlations remained. “We still have things to work on,” said Julia Kravchenko, the study’s lead author, noting that improvements in air quality could be attributed in part to increasing federal and state regulation over the years. “Even mild improvement in air quality will help reduce mortality from respiratory disease.” The study was published Monday in The International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Source: “Long-term dynamics of death rates of emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia and improving air quality,”  Kravchenko J, Akushevich I, Abernethy AP, Holman S, Ross Jr WG, Lyerly HK, DoverPress.com. 

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1-877-327-2273. Dr. George Traitses can be reached at 416-499-5656 or visit: www.infinite-health.com.