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December 2022

News

Pollution Is Killing Millions across the Earth, Scientists Warn

In 2019, over nine million deaths across the world were caused by pollution. This figure has remained the same since 2015. The Lancet Planetary Health published a study in May this year that proved how pollution has become a global problem and a threat to the environment and human health.

According to the study, the most affected population are those living in low and middle-income countries, as well as those in countries without exacting programs addressing poor air quality and water and chemical pollution.

The report gave a clear picture of what must be done to prevent pollution from claiming more lives and further destroying the environment. Tackling one issue with targeted action can help reduce or eliminate the other crises. 

One of the suggested actions is the shift from fossil fuels – or petrol and diesel-powered vehicles – to renewable energy. This can help improve air quality and postpone climate change. Currently, indoor and outdoor air pollution is linked to over 6.6 million premature deaths every year around the world – and the numbers continue to rise. Air pollution is responsible for almost 75% of these deaths worldwide.

The report also stressed the need for worldwide action if countries are to meet their goal of minimising the impacts of air pollution on human health, the environment, and economic and social factors.

While the public’s concern about toxic air and its health impacts is increasing, the same cannot be said of the needed funding and attention on international air pollution levels. Local governments have produced campaigns and zero-emission goals, but not all countries are involved. There is still a lot of work to be done. 

Air pollution has adverse impacts on human health and general well-being. Studies – both old and current – have consistently shown how toxic air aggravates health issues such as cognitive intelligence, mental health-related problems, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases. 

Global Alliance on Health and Pollution’s Richard Fuller said it is important for countries to help each other because pollution crosses international borders. Countries with significantly high toxic air levels need to address the issue by finding the source and stopping it. 

Why diesel emissions are dangerous

The UK is one of the highly advanced countries with cities and towns affected by high levels of toxic air emissions. The primary source for these pollutants is road transport, specifically diesel emissions. This is why the 2015 Dieselgate scandal and the carmakers involved in it continue to attract the attention of authorities and campaigners.

In September 2015, the Volkswagen Group received a Notice of Violation from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board. It detailed how the carmaker violated emissions regulations when they installed defeat devices used to cheat emissions in Audi and Volkswagen diesel vehicles that were sold in the American market. The VW Group had to recall hundreds of thousands of affected vehicles – and they continue to do so even now. 

Other carmakers followed in the footsteps of the VW Group. Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall, and BMW are only three of the many manufacturers that authorities in the US, Europe, and the UK have identified as companies that sold diesel vehicles equipped with defeat devices.

A defeat device is highly illegal and dangerous because it can detect when a vehicle is brought into a lab for testing. Once testing commences, the device automatically reduces emissions levels to within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mandated limits. As such, the vehicle appears eco-friendly during testing conditions. However, once it is out on real roads, the vehicle reverts to releasing exceedingly high volumes of nitrogen oxide or NOx, a group of gases that can destroy lives and damage the environment.

NOx contains nitric acid or NO and nitrogen dioxide or NO2. It is responsible for producing smog and acid rain. It reacts with other elements to form the pollutant ground-level ozone, which weakens and damages vegetation.

As mentioned earlier, pollution affects a person’s mental health and cognitive intelligence. Once exposed to NOx emissions, a person’s mental health issues are triggered, and this can lead to more frequent episodes of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, a weakened cognitive intelligence can increase a person’s risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

Breathing in nitrogen oxide emissions can cause life-threatening health impacts, including breathing difficulties and lung problems, emphysema, asphyxiation, and laryngospasm (spasm of the vocal cords). As already mentioned, toxic emissions can lead to certain cancers, heart problems, respiratory illnesses, and premature death.

The Volkswagen Group, Mercedes, BMW, Vauxhall, and all the other carmakers that deceived customers with their use of defeat devices are responsible for exposing hundreds of thousands (or maybe even millions) of unknowing drivers to NOx emissions and their life-changing impacts. They should be brought to court through an emissions claim and affected car owners should be compensated for the inconvenience and dangers they were exposed to.

Should I start my diesel claim?

If you think your vehicle is equipped with a defeat device, you should work with emissions experts and start a diesel claim against your carmaker. First off, however, you need to visit the ClaimExperts.co.uk website to get all the information you need to verify your eligibility to make a claim. Only then will you be able to proceed to the actual claims process.

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Health

What Is Refractive Eye Surgery? What Does Refractive Laser Surgery Mean?

Refractive surgery is also known as “myopia surgery,” but it is a surgical correction in those with myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. The best-known methods are PRK and LASIK refractive surgeries, where the cornea (the transparent part at the front of the eye) is remodeled using a special laser (Excimer Laser). The new format of the cornea will play the role of glasses and contact lenses, causing the image to form correctly on the retina (back of the eye).

Why Is Laser Refractive Surgery Used?

Laser refractive surgery, or “myopia surgery,” eliminates or reduces dependence on the use of glasses and contact lenses in those with myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia.

What Is Prk Refractive Surgery?

PRK refractive surgery is a laser surgery to correct myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. In PRK surgery, the epithelium (cells on the cornea’s surface) is removed, and the laser is applied to remodel the shape of the cornea.

What Is Lasik Refractive Surgery?

LASIK refractive surgery is another method of laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. In LASIK surgery, a flap is made on the cornea’s surface, the laser is applied, and the cornea is covered by the flap again.

When To Do Prk Or Lasik Refractive Surgery?

Laser refractive surgery should be performed when you want to reduce or eliminate dependence on the use of glasses and contact lenses. It is performed from 18 – 21 years of age on those with regular eyeglasses for at least 1 year.

Who Can Have Prk Or Lasik Refractive Surgery?

Laser refractive surgery from Kraff Eye Institute for example can be done:

Who wants to reduce dependence on the use of glasses and contact lenses

From 18 – 21 years of age with stable eyeglasses for at least 1 year

The cornea must have the surface, thickness, and curvature suitable for the treatment (assessed by corneal topography)

Not having serious eye diseases such as corneal infection, advanced glaucoma, uncontrolled diabetes

not be pregnant

You should know that some residual degree may remain even after a successful refractive surgery

What Is The Difference Between Prk And Lasik Refractive Surgery?

Laser refractive surgery from lasik in naperville for example is a surgery for nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. The two main techniques are PRK and LASIK. In PRK surgery, the epithelium (cells on the cornea’s surface) is removed, and the laser is applied to remodel the shape of the cornea. In LASIK surgery, a flap is made on the cornea’s surface, the laser is applied, and the cornea is covered by the flap again.

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Health

The Benefits of Using a Mini C-Arm in Your Medical Practice

As technology advances, so too does the medical field. New devices and equipment are constantly being developed to help medical professionals provide the best possible care for their patients. One such piece of equipment is the mini c-arm. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what a mini c-arm is, how it works, and what benefits it offers for medical professionals. Visit https://www.minicarm.com/ to know more about the advantages.

What Is a Mini C-Arm and What Are Its Benefits for Medical Professionals?

A mini c-arm is a portable x-ray machine that is used for diagnostic imaging procedures. Mini c-arms offer a number of benefits for both patients and medical professionals.

For patients, mini c-arms provide clear and concise images that can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions. For medical professionals, mini c-arms offer portability and easy maneuverability, making them ideal for use in any medical setting.

How Does It Work?

A mini c-arm works by emitting x-rays that pass through the body and are captured on an x-ray film or digital receptor. The x-rays are then converted into images that can be viewed on a monitor.

What Types of Procedures Can Be Performed with a Mini C-Arm?

Mini c-arms can be used for a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures, including but not limited to:

  • Arthrography
  • Bone density measurement
  • CT angiography (CTA) – Used to assess arterial conditions such as aneurysms, plaque buildup, or stenosis (narrowing of the arteries)
  • Myelography – Used to assess nerve conditions such as herniated disks or spinal tumors
  • Plain film radiography – Used to assess general injuries or conditions such as fractures or pneumonia
  • Ultrasound – Used to assess abdominal or pelvic conditions such as appendicitis or ovarian cysts

Who Should Consider Using a Mini C-Arm in Their Medical Practice?

Any medical professional who regularly performs diagnostic imaging procedures should consider using a mini c-arm in their practice. Mini c-arms offer many benefits that can greatly improve both the quality and efficiency of your diagnostic imaging procedures.

If you’re interested in learning more about mini c-arms, we invite you to contact us today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and help you decide if a mini c– arm is right for your medical practice.

Conclusion:

We hope this blog post has provided you with some useful information about mini c– arms and their many benefits for both patients and medical professionals.

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