By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally printed November 2005, Community Leader
Got lungs? You may be at risk for lung cancer. “But I don’t smoke,” you say. “It can’t happen to me.” Don’t kid yourself. Thirteen percent of lung cancers occur in NON-SMOKERS. Not concerned yet? Perhaps it would help to know that lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer—170,000 Americans each year. How can you keep from becoming a part of this sobering statistic? Keep your air-loving lungs happy, and…
Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
Cold-weather months dominate the Maine calendar. As a result, we spend a lot of time hunkered down in our houses, breathing re-circulated air. This air is often full of unseen contaminants. One of these is radon. This radioactive gas comes from the breakdown of uranium in the earth, seeps into our houses through our basements and permeates our air and water. It is very common in our state, due to the region’s rocky soil. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer. Because radon is odorless, colorless and taste-free, it is not easily detected. If you are buying, renovating or building a house, have it tested for this substance. To read up on radon, go to www.miaqc.org.
Asbestos is another potential clean air enemy. This tiny, easily inhaled fiber was originally used for insulation, floor and ceiling tiles. It was especially popular in schools and public buildings. Unfortunately, like radon, long term exposure to asbestos causes lung cancer. Be sure to investigate before you renovate: find out whether asbestos is present in your home before putting your family at risk. Think your home, school or workplace has an asbestos issue? Get more information at www.epa.gov.
Radon and asbestos, while deadly, pale in comparison to second-hand smoke. Also called Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), second-hand smoke is the most dangerous indoor air contaminant. It kills 3,000 non-smoking lung cancer victims each year. ETS also causes 35,000 heart disease deaths in non-smoking adults, and an increased incidence of asthma, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung diseases in children. If you are a non-smoker who loves a smoker, support him in his efforts to quit. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, and a great time to look into local resources. A few noteworthy programs include:
- The Maine Tobacco HelpLine: a phone bank manned by local experts who offer everything from non-judgmental counseling to evaluation for nicotine product vouchers,
- Every Mother’s Wish: innovative assistance for pregnant women available through the HelpLine, including several appealing incentives,
- The Great American Smokeout: planned for Thursday, November 17, this American Cancer Society initiative provides reinforcement and a target quit date,
- Tobacco Use and Quitting: a class on options for smoking cessation offered by the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers.
Keep in mind that smoking is a serious addiction, and that smokers will need to spend time thinking about and gathering information on quitting before deciding to do so. They may have to “practice” several times before finally giving up the habit—and they will certainly need ongoing encouragement to stay smoke-free. For more information on the above programs, see Resources below.
Finally, once you’ve cleaned up your indoor air,
Become an Outdoor Air Advocate!
Believe it or not, Maine’s air is less than pristine. Much of what we breathe is swept up from southern New England, home to major cities and industrial centers. We are sucking in other people’s smog. While we may not be able to control our neighbors from the lower latitudes, we can pay attention to the air in our own communities. Freeport parents came together to propose a ‘no-idling’ policy after noticing that some people were letting their cars run for prolonged periods during school pick-ups. Yarmouth residents voiced their concerns over particulate matter being discharged into the atmosphere by the local power plant. Protect your air space. Speak up if you suspect your lungs are at risk.
You may not be a smoker, but you are still a “breather.” Aim for clean air—both indoors and out. Keep those lungs happy, and you may never be a part of that unlucky 13%.
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RESOURCES ON AIR QUALITY AND LUNG CANCER:
Maine Tobacco HelpLine/Every Mother’s Wish 1-800-207-1230
WEBSITES
Lung Helpline: 1-800-458-8252
LOCAL CLASSES
MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers
Falmouth 207-781-1730, Scarborough 207-885-8470
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