The vital on and off should run as smoothly as possible. What is good for our respiratory organs - or not, and the role of air pollutants are the cover story of the December issue of bild der wissenschaft. The main focus is on the threat of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, the question of how asthma can be prevented and the extent to which air purification measures in the city make sense.
Similar to the heartbeat, breathing is a symbol of life: Our respiratory system transports at least 10,000 liters of air every day and absorbs oxygen in the process. But as is well known, breathing not only brings the elixir of life into the lungs: various substances in the air can damage the sensitive respiratory system. This is a major human problem: According to estimates by the World Health Organization, exposure to air pollutants causes more than seven million premature deaths every year.
In the first article of the four-part cover story, bdw author Claudia Eberhard-Metzger focuses on the two heavyweights in the mix of problem substances in the air we breathe: nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. It illustrates how these two pollutants can affect health far beyond the burden on the respiratory tract and lungs. The following applies to fine dust: the smaller the particles, the deeper they penetrate into our bodies. Ultrafine dust also makes it into the bloodstream and can damage the heart and brain. The health impact of this exposure is significant worldwide, as the article "Small particles with a big effect" shows.
From pollutants, asthma and filter columns
The bdw author Susanne Donner then deals with the topic of asthma and how it can be prevented. Around four percent of children and adolescents in Germany suffer from these attacks of shortness of breath. The problem usually occurs in connection with so-called atopic diseases such as neurodermatitis or allergies. Whether a child will develop asthma is often decided during pregnancy or in the first years of life. Air quality and nutrition have a major impact. Research also suggests that expectant mothers should avoid second-hand smoke, and it's not good to buy new furniture that could emit pollutants during pregnancy.
In the article "Air upwards", the bdw author Frank Frick then takes a look at the efforts to reduce the pollution caused by air pollutants in cities through technical or biological systems. Among other things, special filter columns and textile facades should be able to capture the substances. However, how well they bind fine dust and nitrogen oxide depends heavily on the weather conditions, the author reports. It also remains questionable whether the limited health benefits justify the enormous expense for these systems.
The title story is rounded off by an interview conducted by the bdw editor Salome Berblinger with the environmental doctor Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann. It makes it clear that the topic of air and lungs also has something to do with climate change and environmental protection. Because human activities can lead, among other things, to allergy-triggering pollen becoming more aggressive.
You will find the cover story "Air to live" in the December issue of bild der wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from November 15th.