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Lauren Moyer 1 March 2012 Air pollution may increase stroke, heart attack risk

In America, and all over the world, traffic-related air pollution is becoming more noticeable and according to officials may actually rise up to be enough to increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing a stroke or a heart attack. From the research done in Boston it was found that 1,705 stroke cases were reported due to a variety of pollutants but mostly vehicle emissions: black carbon, nitrogen dioxide and particle matter. Based on their findings and comparing air qualities to the amount of cases they were seeing, researchers were able to see that only a 20 percent reduction in the amount of pollution would stop around 6,000 strokes annually. While scientists aren’t able to show that air pollutants directly result in strokes they are saying it is highly likely. The researchers strongly suggest taking any extra smog and pollution, like smoking, out of daily routines to eliminate anything extra than what a person is already exposed to during the space of a day. Air pollution has been a topic of discussion on the national stage for years now. As a matter of fact, research suggests that even cave men were exposed to air pollution from the lack of ventilation of their fires. Pollution really became a popular issue though after WWII because of the radioactive bombs that were tested and deployed. Following that in 1952, London had its own epidemic of smog that killed over 4,000 people, which encouraged the idea of an act, resulting in the Clean Air Act of 1956. In the States, Pollution didn’t become a topic of discussion until the mid-1950’s and then again in the early 1970’s when congress pass a few acts that were meant to stop pollution of water, air, and our environment: Noise Control Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Although all these acts were passed they didn’t stand a chance against America’s technological advances in cars, factories, and urban cities. This article states how dangerous pollution can be to people but yet we still live our lives the way we have done for years not willing to change anything. With so many organizations focused on making our plant more “green” why is pollution still such a hazard? The new research done clearly shows the health risks that come along with being exposed to vast amount of pollution so why do we not change? Are we as Americans ok with a shorter lifespan becoming a reality because of the amount of junk going into our water and air? This major issue is not only becoming a nuisance to city dwellers but life-threaten to all.
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 * Questions:**
 * 1) The acts we have put in place are not enough. What are some other ways the government can help control the quality of the air?
 * 2) If the situation doesn’t get better in the next 5 years are we going to have to take severe measures like restricting the amount of cars on the road?
 * 3) Why are Americans so unwilling to change one aspect of their life-style to promote their own health?
 * 4) Other than “green” organizations promoting recycling and energy conservation, what are some ideas they have in order to help reduce traffic-related air pollution?


 * Sources:**

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"Air pollution may increase stroke, heart attack risk - CNN.com." //CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News//. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. . ======

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"Environment Module (South West Observatory) | Pollution incidents." //Environment Module (South West Observatory) | South West Observatory Environment Module (SWENVO)//. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. . ======