If you are familiar to the issue of air pollution
then you probably know that Beijing, China ranks in as one of the most polluted
cities in the world and the reason that is true is because their government has
done nothing to tackle the problem. It is commonly known that the smog causes
health issues among Chinese citizens which is why many wear a type of mask that
somewhat protects them from breathing all the toxic air but a recent study
shows that microbes may play a part in all these health issues. Chinese
researchers found traces of more than 1,300 species in Beijing’s most polluted
air. The researchers took measurements over a five day period of severe smog
but a question I had was, “how did they measure the severity of the smog?” Did
they take measurements while some industrial companies were releasing their
harmful toxins into the atmosphere? That information might have helped the
reader get confirmation as to why the volume of microbes was so high.
Out
of 1,315 species found, most were bacteria but the researchers also found
viruses and fungi in smaller numbers. A microbiologist from the University of
Colorado Boulder named Norman Pace said “I see no microbes of particular public
health concern,” Pace said, adding that the smog itself is what is deadly.” I would
disagree because some of the microbes found are known to cause allergies and
respiratory diseases. Microbes might not be the main cause to all the health
issues that people experience but I would say that they do play a role.
http://articles.latimes.com/2014/feb/04/science/la-sci-sn-beijing-smog-microbes-air-pollution-china-20140203
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| http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-26/xi-calls-pollution-beijing-s-biggest-challenge-as-smog-eases.html |
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| http://bettercitiesnow.com/urban-issues/health-and-wealth-why-china-needs-cleaner-cities |
I have heard that the pollution in Beijing, China was bad but with these pictures you provided it seems that it is a bigger problem than I assumed. Also with all information that you provided with the air containing as much as 1300 species of microbes in it makes the problem seem a lot scarier. It is also amazing to learn that the people living in Beijing actually have to wear that special mask to protect them from the toxic air, and also that the Chinese government is not doing anything to address the problem. With most of the microbes being bacteria and some of them being viruses it puzzles me why Norman Pace the microbiologist from University of Colorado Boulder says that it isn’t a public health concern. I would agree with you that microbes do play a role with some of the health issues like respiratory disease or allergies.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's pretty intense. I would agree that microbes definitely play a role in the public's health through this smog. If this was recorded, researchers could help figure out what microbes in this polluted air is the most dangerous. However, it seems the best solution would be for the government to do something about it themselves. I know in London they also have smog in the air. I'm curious as to how the microbes in this smog differ from that of natural air. Also, what does the smog do to the microbes themselves? If I lived in a situation like that I would move immediately. Not being able to see 10 feet in front of me doesn't sound very pleasant. Also the health risks are a huge concern.
ReplyDeleteGood observation that you made: "I would disagree because some of the microbes found are known to cause allergies and respiratory diseases."
ReplyDelete