The Importance of clean air during cancer recovery is not emphasized enough. Studies have shown that patients who live in areas with heavy air pollution are likely to face more difficult odds in their recovery than their counterparts. Therefore, it is vital that you ensure your indoor air pollutants such as industrial pollutants, smoke, and fungal spores are kept at a minimum or avoided entirely.

Research from the International Journal of Cancer has shown a direct connection between exposure to P.M 2.5 particles in the air and the healthy recovery of people suffering from different types of cancer.

PM 2.5 pollution comprises tiny particles and droplets less than 2.5 microns in diameter. For comparison, human hair is 30 to 70 times larger than a PM 2.5 particle. These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. They are usually the product of combustion – including smoke and fumes from industrial sources and power plants, vehicle engines, wildfires, or indoor cooking fires.

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Two Main Benefits of Clean Air

1. Reduces the risk of lung-related infection- When recovering from any form of cancer, it is crucial to ensure that the immune system is not further compromised by infection, as this significantly slows down recovery. In addition, staying away from pollutants that may aggravate the lungs or disease-causing pathogens will result in a smoother recovery period for patients.
2. Better sleep for better health- Doctors will often advise that sleep is crucial for recovery. Evidence has emerged that the different components of sleep are; sleep duration, sleep quality, and circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that spans over a 24-hour period that aligns with natural daylight hours are vital for patients with cancer. Because cell growth and division are primarily affected by one’s circadian rhythm, cancer cells may be more vulnerable or resistant to treatment depending on the treatment. Other areas that benefit from a good night’s sleep are the immune system, the brain, and the production and regulation of hormones.

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To ensure your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is conducive for recovery, avoid in-house open fires, and keep windows closed at all times, especially if you live next to any industrial plants, to prevent dust and smoke. Also, avoid using chemical pollutants such as candles and clean surfaces regularly using non-toxic disinfectants.

The humidity level in your home is one of the biggest causes of health problems. Purchasing a portable humidity meter helps ensure that your home remains within the healthy humidity parameters to stop mold growth. 

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To easily maintain your IAQ and ensure it is at its optimum, a HEPA (High-efficiency particle air) filter helps reduce airborne contaminants in your home. Air filters take in the surrounding air and pass it through a filter, which sifts the air, captures unwanted large particles, and traps them inside the filter releasing clean air with significantly fewer particles. This makes it a serene, safe, and clean air environment for you and your family.

Don’t Make the Cancer Journey Alone

There are so many issues that arise during cancer treatments. Here to Serve offers services for families with children as they navigate cancer. They are the only nonprofit offering wrap-around services to help you manage your cancer journey on the home front. Be sure to GET HELP at diagnosis. Here to Serve helps you meet a wide range of physical, financial, and emotional needs at home to make the journey for you and your family as smooth as possible. Get in touch with us or recommend us to others recently diagnosed with cancer.

By Rhoda Naman