Lung disease, whatever form it takes, is an insidious condition. Diseases which affect the lungs take a long time to manifest, then take an equally long time to make a person very ill. With the exception of obvious causes like smoking, most people aren’t even aware they’re inhaling toxins into their lungs. The best way to protect yourself from lung disease is to be educated about the causes of lung disease and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Smoking
This is easy. The damage smoking causes to the lungs (among other organs) has been well-documented and discussed for ages. Fortunately for those who smoke, the damage can be almost completely undone after quitting. For smokers, ten years without tobacco usually reduces the risk of lung cancer to that of a non-smoker.
2. Black Mold and Other Airborne Pathogens
Black mold is a common household annoyance. If the infestation is light, a homeowner can remove the black mold themselves. If it’s heavy, a professional might need to be called in. In the worst cases, the house may become uninhabitable. This is what happened to many houses after Hurricane Sandy. Adam Robertson, a specialist from The Cleaner Image Dryer Vent Services, says that while most black mold and airborne pathogens can be removed with routine housecleaning, certain pathogens require special venting of the infested home’s vents.
3. Radon
Radon is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas which is a byproduct of the breakdown of uranium. Radon can seep up from the ground into a crawlspace or basement and, from there, leak into the house. A homeowner who believes they have a radon problem should have the home tested. If the radon is above a certain level, it can be removed by a professional radon abatement service. But, if radon levels are fairly low, sometimes all it takes is giving the house a good airing out by opening doors and windows and turning on fans.
4. Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs called mesothelioma. It can also lead to asbestosis, a slightly less serious lung disease. Asbestos was banned as a building material in the United States in the 1980s, but some older homes may still contain asbestos. It can be found in paint, insulation, roof shingles or flooring. It’s harmless as long as it’s undisturbed, but a homeowner who wants to do a renovation and suspects they may have asbestos in the home should call in an asbestos professional first.
5. The Flu
The flu, though often seen as only slightly worse than the common cold, has the potential to damage a person’s lungs permanently. Seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of developing lung disease from the flu virus. Those in the at-risk groups should be sure to get a yearly flu shot to minimize their chances of catching the flu.
These five causes can wreak havoc on a person’s body, inflicting permanent damage and putting them at risk of lung disease. All of these causes, however, can be avoided or corrected through precautionary action and professional assistance.