health
He inhaled exhaust fumes to find out what pollution does to his body
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TL;DR
- A journalist voluntarily inhaled polluted air from a busy London road for 10 minutes as part of an experiment.
- Microscopic examination of his blood revealed black particles, identified as PM 2.5 carbon and chemical deposits, attached to red blood cells.
- Researchers estimate that millions of these pollution particles could circulate throughout an adult's body.
- Air pollution is linked to various health issues beyond the lungs, including effects on the brain, increased risk of heart attacks, dementia, and potentially contributing to lung cancer.
- While levels in blood can decrease with fresh air, particles may embed in organs, contributing to inflammation and long-term health problems.
- Reducing exposure includes strategies like walking on less busy streets or using masks in high-pollution areas, though systemic changes in emissions are crucial.