It has long been known that GCA, PMR, and many other autoimmune diseases are more common in smokers. Now a small study suggests that sooty air pollution (PM10) also increases the risk of developing GCA. The link below concludes:
"Exposure to environmental PM10 in the preceding 60 days seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing GCA, especially in older individuals with prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution."
Among the many sources of high PM10 levels are coal and wood-burning stoves, older diesel-powered vehicles, and bonfires. In many countries, poorly-regulated industries also contribute.
Written by
AtopicGuy
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Hmmmm. As I read this I said to myself "this doesn't apply to me, since I live in the mountains and have wonderful air quality, " but then I read about wood burning stoves! That's hiw we heat half our home. Hmmmm....
We live in rural Scotland. There are two villages near us I hate to pass through on still winter evenings, because the air quality is so poor. All down to wood-burning stoves and the occasional coal fire. They are completely unsuitable for within conurbations. The link below says:
"Domestic wood burning has become the single biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK, exceeding that of road traffic."
When I used to ski, the smog over the Alps on still days was very noticeable, despite all the electricity coming from nuclear and hydro. Idling diesel vehicles waiting for the snow to be cleared added to the problem.
Yes, some old stoves are almost as bad as open fires for PM10 pollution. Some people burn un-seasoned, wet wood, too. I even heard of one guy in Fife who "got a good heat up" burning plastic bottles - which emit poisonous gases as well as soot - in the middle of a town! However, smoke is smoke, and even the best stove with the best fuel pollutes far more than gas boilers or modern diesel vehicles. They are fine for isolated cottages off the gas main, but terrible in conurbations where lots of neighbours are nearby. The Clean Air Acts of the 1950s and '60s were enacted for a reason.
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