Researchers
today are taking a closer look at the relation between air pollution and human
susceptibility to the disease of tuberculosis. Scientists believe that high
exposure to Diesel Exhaust Particles suppresses immune cells making people in
urban areas more vulnerable to tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is basically a
disease that affects the lungs that comes from the infection by micro-bacteria.
Diesel Exhaust Particles causes cells to become less responsive to fighting of
micro-bacteria that threaten our immune systems. From the pollution cells
become desensitized and are easily infected by the tuberculosis disease.
Tuberculosis affects eight to ten million people with 1.5 million deaths from
the disease annually around the world. Research has shown that people living in
low or middle income areas that are experiencing fast industrial growth and
increased motor vehicle traffic are more likely to come in contact with this
pollution that is damaging cells and making them more exposed to tuberculosis.
Once again
we can connect the dots with the effects that our environment has on our
health. Now our biological make-up is being challenged by environmental toxins
that come from detrimental gases and particles that pollute our air. Giving us as
American citizens even more reason to step up to the plate and act on our civic
duty to preserve our earth, by cutting back on aspects of our lives that constantly
contribute to the destruction of our environment and health. Mass
transportation is one easy aspect of change that could be put into place by
policy advocacy. If we are experiencing issues with our health today from the
circumstance of our environment, what can we expect for the future health of
the uprising generations?
University
of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) (2012, April 13). Possible
connection between air pollution and tuberculosis susceptibility. ScienceDaily.
Retrieved April 20, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/04/120413162343.htm
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