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Polluted City Air Has Now Been Identified as a Possible Means of Transmission for Resistant Bacteria

  • November 21, 2016

Researchers studying air pollution in China have determined that the air contains DNA from genes that make bacteria resistant to the most powerful antibiotics we have, according to news from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The air samples contained a “wide mix of different resistance genes,” the researchers said.

Toxic exposure from air pollution is responsible for 1 in every 4 deaths in the world, according to the World Health Organization, and this new study emphasizes the need to address this problem wherever we are — it even causes more deaths in Africa than unsafe water, malnutrition and unsanitary conditions!

Air pollution is known to exacerbate heart and lung conditions, and to trigger cell death and atherosclerosis. It also negatively affects decision making and productivity. The data suggests the majority of outdoor air pollution sources are from inefficient transportation vehicles, industrial activities, coal-powered plants and burning of household fuel and waste — all things that we must press governments worldwide to address.

Yet, your indoor air quality could be even worse. Pollution in your home may come from a variety of sources, including your furniture, cabinets and materials used to construct the building you are in. To reduce pollution in your own home, you can use an air filter and decorate with plants, which can help clean the air for you. Aloe, English ivy, rubber tree, peace lily, snake plant, bamboo palm, philodendron, spider plant, red-edge dracaena and golden pathos are all good.