In Praise of File on 4

I often listen to File on 4 and I never find it less than interesting. In fact it's often much more than that. - You feel as you listen that the matter is so serious and so urgent that 'somebody' will take steps to remedy or to ameliorate the situation. Just like with today's subject: dangerous, potentially lethal, levels of harmful oxides of nitrogen in diesel fumes from traffic in some cities, including Sheffield.

 

File on 4 can be relied upon for careful investigations and has excellent presenters to make the issues clear. You'd think after wrapping up the preparation for the programme, matters would be 'all over bar the shouting'. But no. All too often when the presenter puts the case to the person in the best position to effect necessary change and start the process of amending regulations or legislation, instead of being persuaded by the evidence and the importance of the matter, the 'powerful person' recites well-rehearsed ambiguous drivel that translates as, 'Sorry, mate; couldn't really care less.' Anyone who's ever experienced taking in a lungful or two of diesel fumes can have little doubt that the noxious stuff is injurious to health. We were informed of the special danger of babies developing severe breathing problems. Well heaven help those poor babies who live near to roads with busy traffic, 'cos it doesn't look like the powers-that-be have any intention of helping...

 

You can listen to the File on 4 programme from this page. "World health chiefs have branded diesel exhaust emissions a major cause of cancer. Despite the efforts of car-makers to filter out the most noxious substances, these fumes still play a big part in causing air pollution. Britain has the second worst respiratory death rates in Europe and has long been under notice from Brussels to clean up its act. So why are most UK areas in breach of legal limits?  And do ministers have any clear plan to reduce the huge annual total of resulting deaths? "

Air pollution increases risk of heart attack and stroke. So does eating salt and salty food.

Pollution 'increases heart attack risk' - Telegraph

Extract:

"Exposure to air pollution multiplies the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by high cholesterol, scientists say.

Researchers have identified how tiny particles in exhaust fumes combine with low density lipoprotein (LDL) fats - so-called "bad" cholesterol - to cause blocked arteries.

The findings suggest that those who have been told they are at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes should try to avoid living in polluted areas.

Dr André Nel, a medical expert at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and lead author of the study, said: "When you add one plus one, it normally totals two, but we found that adding diesel particles to cholesterol fats equals three.

"Their combination creates a dangerous synergy that wreaks cardiovascular havoc far beyond what's caused by the diesel or cholesterol alone."

Chemicals that coat particles can trigger the inflammation of blood vessels, which encourages the build-up of cholesterol deposits.

This process increases the risk of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes."


You can also lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as lose weight by eating less salt! Go on! - Try it! - You will feel so much better!
How to Lose weight!

See my website http://www.wildeaboutsteroids.co.uk/.html
(The site does not sell anything and has no banners or sponsors or adverts - just helpful information.)

Read my Mensa article on Obesity and the Salt Connection

See Sodium in foods and Associated health conditions

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