Lung disease is a significant health issue, and while smoking is the most apparent cause of lung damage, there are other habits that may be putting your lungs at risk. From secondhand smoke to air pollution and even certain occupations, it’s important to understand what could be causing damage to your lungs. Here are six unexpected habits that may lead to lung disease.
1. Living In An Urban Area
Studies have found that those living in urban areas are more likely to develop lung cancer due to their exposure to air pollution. So if you’re a city person, be sure to take the necessary precautions and protect your lungs!
Air pollution in urban areas is higher than in rural areas and contains a variety of pollutants such as soot, dust, diesel exhaust and other particles. These pollutants can cause inflammation in the lungs and damage the cells that line your respiratory tract, increasing your risk for lung cancer.
Additionally, city residents may also be exposed to secondhand smoke from passing vehicles or nearby smokers, which has been linked to lung cancer as well.
It’s important to limit your exposure to air pollution as much as possible. This can include avoiding exercising outdoors when air quality is poor, wearing a protective mask if you must go outside, and monitoring local air quality reports, so you know when the air is cleaner.
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2. Working On A Farm
While it may not seem like a dangerous job, working on a farm can cause significant lung damage due to exposure to dust, chemicals, and other pollutants. Research has found that working on a farm can increase your chances of developing lung cancer by up to 70 percent.
Farmers are exposed to high levels of pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxins used in growing crops. The inhalation of these toxic substances can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lungs, which can cause cancerous tumors.
3. Eating Processed Foods
Research has found that processed foods, such as red meat, contain high levels of chemicals and preservatives, which can cause lung disease. A diet high in processed foods can increase the risk of developing lung cancer by up to 35 percent.
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Processed foods also contain dangerous levels of nitrates, plastics, and other additives that are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Eating processed food on a regular basis can lead to lower immunity, and a weakened immune system is more likely to be prone to cancer.
4. Exercising Too Much
While physical activity is an important part of maintaining good health, overdoing it can cause significant damage to your lungs. If you’re pushing yourself too hard, it’s important to take it down a notch in order to protect your lungs.
Exercising too much can leave your lungs weakened and more susceptible to lung cancer. It can also cause inflammation in the lungs, which can further damage them over time. Additionally, vigorous activities that require large amounts of oxygen can cause harm to the delicate tissues and cells in the lungs.
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5. Not Cleaning Your Home
Dust and other particulates can accumulate in your home over time, leading to poor air quality and an increased risk of lung damage. These particles can be inhaled and cause irritation to the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and COPD.
Additionally, mold spores can also grow in damp and poorly ventilated areas of your home. The presence of mold can also worsen asthma symptoms and even increase the risk of lung cancer.
6. Hanging Out With Smokers
Secondhand smoke is a major cause of lung damage, even if you’re not actively inhaling the smoke. Being in the same room as someone that is smoking can put your lungs at risk.
In fact, the CDC says that those exposed to secondhand smoke at work or home have a 30 pecent higher risk of developing lung disease.
