Chiropractic Elk Grove
Chiropractor Elk Grove, South Sacramento, Galt & Laguna (916) 685-1230
8580 Elk Ridge Way, Elk Grove, CA 95624

Chiropractic Elk Grove

The Air Around You

March 18th, 2009 . by Dr. Munoz

So we have talked a lot about toxicity lately around the office.  I wanted to share with you bits and pieces of different articles that speak to the air around us and how it affects us. 

For beginners there is the outside air pollution that we can’t do much about other than vote and make our voices heard when it comes to what is being done about it. 

We have always suspected the quality of the air had an affect on us but finally there was a study done and published in the New England Journal of Medicine,  local residents actually live an average of five months longer when our local government takes action to clean up the air pollution.  Tiffany Sharpels goes on to say in her Health and Science article on TIME.com called, “Want to Live Longer? Cut the Pollution,”  15% of the increase of life span was attributed to cleaner air.  So just think a strong environmental policy could effect all of our lives. 

Within our own homes we have to be aware of the toxins we are bringing into them.  We are spending lots of money on air fresheners for our home to make them seem more inviting, clean and welcoming.  There is are a group of chemicals called phtalates (pronounced THAL-ates) used in the air fresheners that for the moment does not have to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been connected to causing cancer, abnormal sex-hormone abnormalities that in turn can affect fertility.  Coco Masters goes on to say there are “two air fresheners that the NRDC found virtually free of phthalates were Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher and Renuzit Subtle Effects” in the article called “How “Fresh” Is Air Freshener?”  He also recommends, lemon in the garbage disposal, opening the windows for fresh air, baking soda at the bottom of the trash can, taking out the trash frequently, keeping fresh coffee grounds on the counter all for different natural ways to make your home smell fresh. 

Air ventilation is important to have in our homes as well.  If your home already has a heating/air conditioning unit at the very least make sure we are replacing the filter every year if not more often. (every 3, 6 or 9 months are better options)  A step above just doing that would be to look into buying a home air purification system.  The ultraviolet feature is not necessary.  There are so many different kinds, ionic, hepa, remote control, permanent filter (no need to change the filter).  All of them are created for you to enjoy fresher, cleaner and healthier air.  They should be considered especially when someone in the family has allergies being that some have allergen reducing filters.   They will protect you from harmful indoor air particles, such as smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander.  Some filters are designed to reduce odors.  There are so many varieties and prices to match.  If money allows you may even want to consider a smaller version for your place of work.

More to come on this subject…Stay tuned