Environmental Impacts on our Health

In the December 2013 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal, author Kurt Beil discusses a recent study that looked at the reduction in Ash tree population due to the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and its relationship to death from lower respiratory tract disease and cardiovascular disease.  The study was originally published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in 2013.  Emerald Ash Borer beetle infestation results in the death of the Ash tree that has been affected and has lead to a significant decline in Ash tree population in the Mid West region of the US.  The study looked at 2002 - 2007 mortality data from lower respiratory tract disease and cardiovascular disease in the states that were impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and found that compared to prior to the beetle infestation in 2002, an additional 6,113 lower respiratory tract disease deaths and an additional 15,080 cardiovascular disease deaths occurred!  This study further confirms how closely our overall health is connected to the health of our environment.  The increase in deaths may potentially be related to less trees leading to poorer air quality (because trees act as filters to improve overall air quality).  As well, because many people find connecting with nature offers them great stress release benefits,  a reduction in green space/number of trees may be perceived as less of an outlet for stress release.  Environmental changes can feel inevitable and the information from this study may feel quite overwhelming/disempowering, but I do think it brings to light the importance of still  ensuring that we aim to get outside and connect with nature on a daily basis even if it does feel like the quality of our environment is changing and that we may want to consider integrating an air purifier/filtration system in our home/office.