3 ms·
I wonder: if one is generally healthy and the air quality is unproblematic, should one get an air filter? Does air filtration potentially lower long term immuni
by wenc 8y ago
I wonder: if one is generally healthy and the air quality is unproblematic, should one get an air filter? Does air filtration potentially lower long term immunity and make us less tolerant to particulates?
I worry about the long term effects of being “too clean”, that is, I think there’s something to hygiene theory of disease. The body needs small stressors and perturbations in order to thrive.
- hourislate 8y agoI wouldn't worry about this if you live in a city. The amount of vehicle exhaust, brake dust, and just general stuff in the air will make up for and most likely counter the time you spend in a clean breathing environment.
- joelcollinsdc 8y agoGenerally I want to agree with you, but there is also research going the other way... https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-ef...
- stevenwoo 8y agoThis article references a more recent London study but mentioned is a more extensive California study of children. TL;DR; One really, really should not live/work any closer to a road with (18 wheelers) traffic than one has to, for children it is paramount - I think all schools in Southern California close to a freeway have filtration systems for this reason. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/14/diesel-pollution-stunts-childrens-lung-growth-london-study-shows https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/14/diesel-p...