6 Causes of Lung Damage That May Have Slipped Under Your Radar

Lung disease kills millions of people every year, and despite this high number, many people are unaware of most aggravators of lung damage. Other causes of mortality like cancer, heart disease and stroke take precedence over lung disease when it comes to knowledge regarding illnesses. People tend to underestimate lung disease and damage and be ill-informed about its causes.

Pulmonologists advise staying away from these causes of lung damage:

1- Heavy duty disinfectants:

Disinfectants that contain chlorine and ammonia can be irritating to the lungs, so much so that it can cause asthma in people who didn’t have it before. In others, who are already suffering from COPD, it can further aggravate the disease.

In cases where you particularly have to use these bleaching agents, then try diluting one part bleach to ten parts water. According to George Friedman-Jimenez, MD, DrPH, assistant professor at New York School of Medicine, harsh cleaning products should be substituted for simple soap and water.

2- Radon:

High levels of radon can be present in the buildings and homes that if inhaled can cause serious lung damage. Radon is a radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It is formed when natural uranium breaks down from rock, water and soil. This gas penetrates through cracks in the flooring and walls, electrical wires as well as plumbing and its inhalation is highly damaging to the lungs.

3- Carpets:

Carpets house: moulds, toxic gases, droppings and dust mites that can aggravate asthma in people. Stepping on the carpet or vacuuming can cause these to enter the air. Moreover, the chemicals used while installing carpets is an added factor that can irritate the lungs.

4- Paints:

Paints are a potential source of harmful chemicals called VOCs that are emitted when paint cans are opened and when the color is drying. Whenever there is paint involved, there should be fresh circulation of air so as to rid the air of heavy chemicals.

5- Wood burning stove:

Wood burning stoves are quite common in certain parts of Pakistan. Homeowners who use wood-burning stoves are often diagnosed with interstitial lung diseases and chronic lung diseases. The irritant in wood-burning stoves is the carcinogen formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide.

Moreover, the chemicals emitted is also dependent on the type of wood burned; for instance, pressure-treated wood is more toxic as compared to untreated timber, and likely to release high levels of toxic chromate copper arsenate. If you feel that your lungs have been damaged by these toxins, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a top lung specialist in Karachi.

6- Pesticides:

Bug killing drugs and sprays can end up causing lung problems if instructions are not followed properly. The spray and its composite chemicals can linger in the air if a room is not well ventilated. Therefore, following the instructions in necessary when going for such sprays.

Lung diseases are becoming more prevalent with the rising air pollution and air irritants that we inhale on an everyday basis. It is incumbent on us to learn about these irritants and protect our lungs in all ways possible. Book an appointment with a top pulmonologist in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.