Technology use may be associated with a lower risk for dementia, study finds
Our lungs are amazing organs. After all, we use them to breathe, allowing us to, well, stay alive! Though some things can indeed hurt our lungs, some of which we might not even be aware of. Sure, most of us know that breathing smoke or strong chemicals is not good for us, but there are many other, seemingly harmless, things that can also hurt our lungs. Click through the following gallery to learn all about them.
Birds can harm your lungs in two ways. One of them is through avian antigens in their droppings.
The second one is by exposure to the waxy proteins found in the feathers of some birds.
Being exposed to these allergens may cause you to develop bird fancier's lung (BFL), which is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Cockroaches are tough creatures that can get into your house in a number of ways, including through the walls and plumbing.
But these insects are not just repulsive–cockroaches actually contain an allergen that can cause asthma.
But it gets worse. Exposure does not require direct contact with the roaches. The allergen is airborne and can contaminate your home by settling into dust or on fabric.
Airbags save lives, but they can also trigger asthma, too. When airbags deploy, they create a particulate matter that can cause inhalational chemical pneumonitis.
Airbags fill through a chemical reaction, by converting sodium azide into sodium and nitrogen gas. The symptoms of chemical pneumonitis include shortness of breath and coughing.
Humidifiers can help when the air is really dry, but if they are not regularly cleaned, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold.
It goes without saying that breathing contaminated humidifier air is not good for your lungs. Steam vaporizers and evaporators are less likely to release airborne allergens than cool mist humidifiers. Regardless of the one you use, make sure it’s cleaned often.
Hot tubs can be incredibly relaxing, but they can also be breathing grounds for bacteria. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which affects the lungs, is amongst the culprits.
Inhalation of MAC can lead to hot tub lung (HTL), which is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (inflammation) caused by the bacteria. This is pretty rare, but it can happen.
The vibrant colors you see in firework displays are actually made by toxic metal salts. Fireworks usually contain ingredients such as titanium, copper, and strontium, among others.
As for the characteristic smell, it’s created by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are also not good for your lungs. Luckily, most people are not exposed to fireworks for a long time or indeed that often.
Yes, flour can hurt your lungs. Flour dust in particular, which is a hazardous substance, can cause a condition known as baker's asthma.
This occupational disease is associated with exposure to wheat flour. Ingesting it regularly can cause an allergic reaction. If you must do so, wear protective equipment and ensure the area is well ventilated.
Yes, your stove may be hurting your lungs. The combustion causes nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide to be released. If you have poor ventilation, you may breathe higher quantities of these.
Nitrogen dioxide in particular is a source of air pollution. Other sources include road traffic, among others. Gas cooking has in fact been linked to a higher risk of childhood-onset asthma.
Mold can really affect those who have any sort of lung condition, including asthma. Mold particles don’t just stay on surfaces; they can become airborne and thus breathable.
Mold develops when there are high levels of moisture. If you spot some in your home, it is recommended that you thoroughly clean all surfaces, and replace (if possible) any affected porous material such as carpets.
Carpets can hold on to dust and a number of allergens and microorganisms. This can have a negative impact on people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems.
Carpets are not as easy to clean as hardwood floors and they can quickly gather harmful allergens. Movement on the carpet can make allergens become airborne, which can trigger a number of allergic reactions.
Research has found a link between occupational exposure to insulating materials and respiratory illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Insulation often contains materials such as aerogels, fiberglass, and calcium silicate. While many may not cause damage as such, microparticles can irritate your lungs.
And although not used in most parts of the world anymore, many used to contain asbestos. Asbestos has been linked to numerous respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer.
These look and feel amazing, but they too can hurt your lungs. Breathing wood smoke can irritate your lungs and indeed trigger asthma.
And this is not just at home. If you live in an area where your neighbors use these throughout the winter, outdoor air quality may be compromised, too.
Exposure to these chemicals can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), which is also known as popcorn lung. This is where the small airways of the lungs get obstructed due to inflammation.
From perfume to home fragrance diffusers, you can be exposed to different fragrances in different ways. It turns out, though, that some chemicals used to make those fragrances can hurt your lungs.
From perfume to home fragrance diffusers, you can be exposed to different fragrances in different ways. It turns out, though, that some chemicals used to make those fragrances can hurt your lungs.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is an example of a chemical that can irritate your lungs.
Sources: (Health Digest) (WebMD)(Johns Hopkins Medicine)
See also: Unusual fragrances that actually exist
Surprising things that may harm your lungs
Beware the next time you bake some bread
HEALTH Respiratory illnesses
Our lungs are amazing organs. After all, we use them to breathe, allowing us to, well, stay alive! Though some things can indeed hurt our lungs, some of which we might not even be aware of. Sure, most of us know that breathing smoke or strong chemicals is not good for us, but there are many other, seemingly harmless, things that can also hurt our lungs. Click through the following gallery to learn all about them.