Why You Need Clean Air On Your Campus NOW!
Overall Health
When contaminated air is inhaled, the toxins enter the bloodstream and can be circulated to any system in the body. Dirty air can cause hospitalization, cancer, or even death.
Both short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air can cause various health problems, like an increased risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. And it can be worse for those with preexisting health conditions like asthma, allergies, or COPD; air pollution can make it difficult to breathe and can trigger asthma attacks, or coughing and wheezing fits.
Academic Performance
When you’re struggling with your health, it can be challenging to focus on your classes. So protecting your health is also protecting your academic success. Clean air not only allows you to focus on your classes without health issues looming, but it also increases mental clarity and cognitive ability.
Plus, poor air quality can impact IQ, memory, fatigue, and focus/attention, all of which impact your ability to do well in class. A recent study found for every 2.5 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, participants’ IQs dropped by one point.
Immune Function
Inhaled particles from air pollution can accumulate in the lymph nodes, impairing immune cells.
A well-functioning immune system is essential for a healthy body. An immune system that doesn’t function properly can lead to infections and even auto-immune conditions.
Exposure to a high level of airborne chemicals can also increase one’s viral load. A high viral load can overwhelm the immune system and increase your chances of severe illness.
Air purification decreases the airborne pollution level of your space, decreasing the viral load and lessening your risk of severe infection. Clean air gives your immune system a better chance at fighting any illness.
A well-functioning immune system is essential for a healthy body. An immune system that doesn’t function properly can lead to infections and even auto-immune conditions.
Exposure to a high level of airborne chemicals can also increase one’s viral load. A high viral load can overwhelm the immune system and increase your chances of severe illness.
Air purification decreases the airborne pollution level of your space, decreasing the viral load and lessening your risk of severe infection. Clean air gives your immune system a better chance at fighting any illness.
Mental Health
Environmental health is an essential factor for overall well-being. And air pollution impacts mental health.
Recent findings show a link between particulate matter and mental illness. Air pollution is associated with increased stress levels, psychological distress, and heightened risk of conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and depression. It is also linked with an increased risk of death in people with certain mental health conditions.
Exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide causes inflammation in the brain, which can lead to many psychiatric disorders. A UK study also found that even a slight rise in Nitrogen Dioxide exposure can lead to a 32% increase in the need for community-based treatment and an 18% increase in the need to be hospitalized due to mental illness.
Plus, college-aged people are at the highest risk for mental health problems. 75% of mental health problems emerge before 24, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for this age group.
Allergy and Asthma Flare-Ups
Better air quality can decrease allergy and asthma flare-ups. Both can be inconvenient or even deadly.
In college, while trying to focus on your studies, the last thing you want is the thought of an allergy or asthma flareup constantly looming over you. Clean air can help keep you healthy and focused on your classes.
With over 25 million people in the U.S. with asthma and 100 million with allergies, it’s imperative the air on college and universities campuses is clean.
