How to improve the indoor air quality?

There are two different kinds of houses viz., houses built in very cold region and houses built in, subtropical or tropical region.

In the first case doors and windows are closed always because of the cold climate. Here we have several possibilities of indoor pollution. These include the formaldehyde from wood and plywood, volatile organic compounds from paints and solvents, lead paint dust, air fresheners and scented products. Controlled fireplace can add a big portion to air pollution.

Pesticide sprays may be fatal in tightly closed house. Use of coal in chimneys produces carbon monoxide and there were accidental deaths. We should not forget that the dry cleaned cloths emit tetrachloroethylene for days after dry cleaning. Pet animals produce a lot of dust. Dust mites increase in number in cushion, mattress and sofa.

Air conditioning filters have often harmful bacteria. The pollen from the garden and atmosphere also contaminate the indoor air quality.

Fungus is also a problem in closed houses.

In the tightly closed houses we must open the windows completely for 10 minutes so that the whole air is exchanged. One window per room is enough and this is important for our health.

In our modern flat, the air is automatically sucked out regularly and the fresh air is supplied which is energy saving as well as healthy.

In tropical areas the air pollution from outside brings dust and poisons inside the house. We must keep not only the house but also outside clean so that there will be fewer diseases.

Male Breast Cancer – The Facts

Breast cancer is regarded as a typical women’s cancer, but it can strike men too. Men are about 100 times less likely to get breast cancer than women. About 1% to 3% of all breast cancers affect the health of men.

The causes of male breast cancer are not known. The risk factors may be genetic disorders, radiation exposure during childhood as well as adulthood, xeno-estrogens from the food, air and soil, liver diseases, obesity, excess alcohol consumption and many other not known risk factors.

Most often men get breast cancer when they are between 60 and 70 years old.

The common signs of female and male breast cancers are the same. About 35% of the male breast cancers are diagnosed only in advanced stages. But in women less than 10% have advanced cancer when they come to the doctor. The reasons are the breast size and almost no awareness. This is in Western countries. In developing and emerging countries we do not have clear statistics.

The best way to prevent male breast cancer is to change the lifestyle to reduce the risk factors. They include:

• No smoking
• Limit the alcohol quantity – only social drinking is good to your health
• Avoid processed food, particularly processed meat and meat products
• Avoid trans fats – these are almost in all snacks
• Reduce weight – obesity is a risk factor for many cancers
• Eat more deep green vegetables
• Eat more coloured and ripe fruits
• Avoid xeno-estrogens
• Avoid radiation
• Avoid air pollution
• Persons with white skin need more vitamin D than others. 20 min sunlight is enough
• Regular exercise will reduce the risk of all cancers

It is better to talk to your doctor about breast cancer. If you go for your regular medical check after you are above 60 years old ask him also about this.