Today's guest post comes from Krista Peterson, regarding the health of individuals and how they can avoid environmental elements that can lead to chronic and terminal illness:

The green movement is gaining popularity and purpose, as it should. Many are becoming aware of what is happening to our planet and what we can do to save it. Sometimes, however, we forget that human beings are as much a part of the planet as trees, water, and air.  It is up to us not only to achieve a balance between our actions and the consequences they have on the planet, but to understand the results of our actions on our own health.

The average human being takes 12-20 breaths every minute.  We rely on the molecules in the air we breathe for cellular respiration and healthy organ function.  But when pollution like particulate matter is spread through our air, even the simplicity of inhaling and exhaling can result in detriment to our long term health.  Particulate matter consists of organic chemicals and metals and can also contain complex molecules like nitrates and sulfates.  These particles are produced and spread through the air by power plants and petroleum-powered automobiles.  Though smoke and other natural pollutants give off particulate matter, the particles produced by power plants and other manufactures are often microscopic and are more easily absorbed into the lungs, resulting in bronchitis, heart attack, heart failure, and difficulty breathing.

Another air pollutant, asbestos, threatens the health of civilians, military personnel, and servicemen and women, including firefighters and policemen.  Asbestos has been used in construction in buildings as recently as 1975 and may still be used in some car parts and ships today. When intact, asbestos is harmless. When disturbed or damaged, however, asbestos fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled or ingested by unsuspected workers and residents, resulting in a rare but deadly cancer: mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma symptoms are often latent for 20-50 years after the victim first encounters the asbestos particles. Because of this latency period, diagnosis is often delayed and life expectancy is extremely short.