Comments on: Winter wood smoke can pose health hazard to many, health officials warn

By: admin

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:00:10 +0000

Thanks for your comment. You’re quite right that air pollution can both cause or contribute to lung disease and increase risk of infection. (It was hard to comment on Sandi’s note because she did not provide detail about the nature of her friend’s illness, such as pre-existing conditions, etc.–thus a more general response.) – Michael McCarthy

By: WhoOwnsTheAir

WhoOwnsTheAir — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:43:58 +0000

“MRSA is not, however, spread by wood smoke.”

This is partially correct. But research shows that acrolein (allyl aldehyde) a component of wood smoke and tobacco smoke, can impair the lungs’ immunity response. Therefore the average person’s risk of contracting respiratory illness is up to five times more likely than normal, when exposed to smoke.

It is not the smoke itself which causes H1N1 or TB, but the chemical constituents within, which dampen the body’s chances for fighting off the pathogens. Stay away from all second-hand smoke, of any type, if you wish to remain healthy.

By: LocalHealthGuide

LocalHealthGuide — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:49:37 +0000

Sorry to hear about your friend's illness. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics and can therefore be difficult to treat. MRSA usually causes skin infections, but it can spread to other parts of the body. MRSA is not, however, spread by wood smoke. Below are some resources where you can read more about MRSA. Hope this helps.

information page on MRSA

MRSA information page

By: sandi

sandi — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 03:07:39 +0000

what about the pleasure of a fireplace? Can that smoke trigger a MRSA attack? Please answer, someone. My friend almost died, and they could not figure out what was the matter….but she had MRSA beginning a couple of years ago.

By: Likes Breathing

Likes Breathing — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:24:01 +0000

Every year in the US, 5000 people die of asthma and hundreds of thousands have to be cared for in a hospital. The last time air pollution sent me to the hospital with an asthma attack, it cost me almost $1000 after insurance paid.

Sure – kill off all those people wih heart and lung diseases! But don’t wonder why your insurance premiums are so high.

This is not a nanny state issue, it is a life-or-death issue for many of your fellow citizens.