Perhaps one of our “weight” issues we face is poor air quality…

Ongoing research has established a solid scientific link between weight and air pollution components. The science points to a reduction of weight loss when exposed to air pollution and the promotion of additional weight.

In the May 2018 review article of the International Journal of Obesity, “Impact of ambient air pollution on obesity: a systematic review,” they examined the relationship between air pollution and body weight in samples worldwide.  They evaluated the most common air pollutants and environmental components, including an array of acronyms…. PM2.5 ‘s (particulate matter that are 2.5 microns or smaller, a measure of the size of airbone particles) , NO₂ (nitrogen oxide an odorless gas), SO₂ (sulfur dioxide, think of the smell of rotten eggs),  along with ozone,  a heavier than air gas that smells like an electric discharge after an electric storm. It’s a known irritant of the lungs, even in small amounts.

The investigators based their findings on three aspects of how our bodies are affected by air pollution: Metabolic dysfunction, Chronic disease onset, and Disruption of regular physical activity.

Another study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in the April 2021 issue saw a similar correlation with weight gain associated with higher levels of particulates, specifically the PM2.5’s.

Metabolic dysfunction

This fancy term means that our chemistry is being disturbed and will change to accommodate the pollution impact; however, the results will inevitably not be a good experience for the body. Let’s take an easy example, inflammation. When you inhale the various chemicals from air pollution, our body’s reaction is to clear the irritants by increasing mucus secretion to remove them.

Think of the multitude of particles in our air. There are two types that we typically hear about, those that are sized to 2.5 ppm (parts per million) , a specific small size that we know will affect our lungs as they have a hard time clearing small particles, and the really bad actors, ultra-fine particulates that are small enough to enter our blood system and be distributed to our organs wreaking havoc and potential chronic disease.

Another aspect to consider, especially with the COVID pandemic, is that our body’s defenses are called into play both chemically and cellularly by up-regulating our immune system, putting it into high gear to remove the foreign invaders. Remember, we have a set capacity to deal with infective agents. If we’re depleted, especially regularly for air pollution, the body’s ability to address another infection will be limited.

And not surprisingly, air pollution can affect our digestive system, impacting our ability to synthesize vitamin D, coupled with less ultraviolet light due to the pollution, our bodies make less vitamin D. You may live in a sunny environment but is your inside most of the day and wear clothing that covers most of our skin, vitamin D production is limited.

For a deeper look at the correlation see this article  Low serum vitamin D-status, air pollution and obesity: A dangerous liaison.  And if you think this is a minimal problem consider your growing children. This article, “Impact of air pollution on vitamin D deficiency and bone health in adolescents” highlights the lower bone density for those experiencing higher levels of air pollution, over time.

Chronic disease

When our bodies fail to keep up their defenses against pollution, we experience long-term consequences, including cardiac and respiratory illnesses resulting in premature death. Think of this process as failing to change the oil in your car. After years of exposure, the motor (our body) will wear out prematurely. For a more in-depth discussion see the Review of Environmental Health article,   “Continuous exposure to ambient air pollution and chronic diseases: prevalence, burden, and economic costs”, pretty clear that air pollution is costly to us all and has long-term consequences.

Disruption of regular physical activity

Many of us in the states experiencing forest fires and bad air can see the pollution at times. Would you want to exercise in that soup, especially knowing that the result will damage your health? Does this mean no running along busy roadways? Absolutely!

We all accelerate our breathing when we exercise, which puts us at more risk as the amount of pollution affecting our lungs is more concentrated, and the depth of penetration into our lungs is increased.

Did you know that babies and youngsters have a higher rate of air exchange in their lungs than adults ? They are affected more intensely by the same amount of air pollution.

Indoor air quality?

Did you know that indoor air is generally even more polluted than outside, assuming you are not taking active steps to improve the quality? In many publications from the government to academia, it’s been documented time and again. Why is it so much worse ? Decades ago home construction and energy costs went through the roof (pun intended) and we began to super insulate our homes. The good news is that it saves energy the bad news, the change traps pollutants with little ability to be diluted with fresh air.

Think about the number of items that “off-gas” in the average home and then multiply that by the issues of what products we use in our inside environments. The list is long, but let’s consider a quick peek into your kitchen. Is there a fragrance to your soaps, dishwasher products, cleaning stuff under the sink, is your stove gas, and if so, how’s the venting. You can easily imagine amplifying this concise survey into the rest of the story, from your cabinets to the flooring from the other finishes and the list is lengthy. See our article on indoor air quality at: Indoor Air Quality and COVID

Take-Aways:

Test don’t guess….order an comprehensive indoor air kit  and know what’s your next step.

Check your app for the state of your air outside, before exercising.

Consider testing your indoor air quality; it’s easy and well worth the effort and cost

Reduce your use of aerosol products, in general (the more minimal the inhalation of particulates, the better)

Use the higher-rated air filters for your heating and cooling system when possible

Keep an eye on the pollution indexes. For some accessible sources, go to:

• IQAir AirVisual | Air Quality
• Plume Air Report
• AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s app
• An app from venture-backed startup Breezometer that shows air quality, pollen and active fire data
• Oregon Air, developed for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality