stuck on the freeway? here\'s something else to fume about

Spend time in traffic-
Especially when conditions stop. and-go --
Recent research has shown that the flow of air pollution into your car can be harmful to your health.
Although it may be helpful to roll up the windows, no car is breathable.
Experts say opening a fan can only make a modest difference at most.
In addition to wearing a gas mask or holding your breath, your best bet is to avoid driving certain types of diesel vehicles and minimize time on crowded highways.
\"Since traffic is the main source of toxins, you will have a lot of exposure to these substances during your daily commute,\" said Jean ospolo, Health Impact officer, Air Quality Management Area, South Coast.
He added that health risks increased as exposure increased.
A recent study funded by the United StatesS.
The Environmental Protection Agency believes that exposure to air-contaminated particulate matter during driving can lead to cardiovascular changes, which is related to increased risk of heart attack, inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
The study, published in the April 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Medicine, tracked nine North Carolina Highway soldiers for four days. The officers --
All non-smokers between 23 and 30 years of age and in \"good physical condition \"--
Connected to an electrode that tracks their heart rate.
Blood samples were taken before and after each shift.
Patrol cars are equipped with equipment to monitor air quality.
By allowing soldiers to record their daily activities, the researchers were able to rule out stress events ---such as a high-speed chase --
This may be the cause of some cardiovascular reactions.
Nevertheless, they observed that for these healthy men, exposure to particulate matter in the car was associated with irregular heart rate, elevated levels of blood protein water, and other blood cell changes.
\"The higher the air pollution dose, the more [we see]cardiovascular]
\"Change,\" said the research firm. author Dr. Wayne E.
Cascio, director of cardiology, School of Medicine, University of East Carolina. \"A high level [of pollution]
It may be the same in the short term as in the longer term. \"In a follow-
A study by Cascio and his colleagues, to be published in the journal Particle and Fiber Toxicology, found that the link between air pollution and cardiovascular changes seemed particularly strong at the time of cessationand-
Traffic is smooth and produces more air toxins than driving smoothly.
Chemical analysis of the air in the patrol car found that acceleration increases the content of aldehyde in the air, while braking releases copper metal particles.
Another study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment in August found that driving certain types of diesel vehicles can significantly increase black carbon content. -
Or diesel Ash-
In the air in your car.
The study says that behind a diesel bus with a low tailpipe, you may be exposed to 18 times more black carbon than tracking modern gasoline --
Electric passenger car.
The amount of black carbon in the air is an indicator of diesel exhaust levels.
According to AQMD, 90% of cancer
The main causes of air pollution in the area are vehicle emissions and the main sources of cancer
Diesel exhaust is responsible for toxins.
Ironically, this study suggests that exposure to black carbon may be higher when you are behind a medium
Compared to the large rig that tracks the exhaust pipes at the top, large delivery trucks that use low tailpipes or diesel passenger cars.
This is because smaller vehicles will blow toxic particles directly to your car.
Arthur M. said: \"The best thing to do so far is to avoid driving behind these vehicles and driving on these vehicles-led highways . \"
Winer, professor of environmental health services, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
The author of the study.
\"This will help reduce your exposure.
Winer and his colleagues also found that people spend an average of 1/2 hours a day in the car. -
About 6% of the time-
But one. third to one-
They touch half of diesel exhaust every day.
The diesel research analyzed the data collected in 1997 by researchers funded by the California Air Resources Commission.
Air through the car-
The researchers conducted real-time measurements of quality monitoring
Time black carbon levels in the Los Angeles and Sacramento highways and roads driving cars.
Windows was turned off and different fan settings were used.
Every run is recorded by a camera designed to capture what is in front of the driver.
The analysis of 2004 found that the most important predictor of testing the black carbon level inside the vehicle was the subsequent vehicle type.
The researchers did not control whether to use the air conditioner, but it was not important to find variables such as speed, follow distance, and ventilation.
\"The vehicle is very porous,\" Winer said . \"
\"They are not space capsules.
They\'re not submarines.
They\'re not breathable.
Some car air purifier manufacturers selling in stores and on the Internet claim that their products can eliminate toxins and odors.
But air pollution experts and others are skeptical.
Last year, Consumer Reports tested several
Household air purifiers are considered \"invalid \".
\"No review by the organization
Car air purifier.
\"Some of them produce ozone to destroy the smell,\" said Professor Roger Atkinson, director of the air pollution research center at the University of California, Riverside.
\"The problem with ozone is that it will kill your sense of smell.
That\'s why you don\'t pay attention to the smell anymore.
Atkinson and others said it was ironic that the device could increase ozone, given that ozone is the main ingredient of smog in Southern California.
\"We have been working for 35 years to reduce ozone!
\"Jerry Martin, spokesman for the Air Force resources committee, said.