Second Hand Smoking Relates to Obesity

Summary: When a recent study of 3,318 kids in Southern California was performed, they found that exposure to second hand smoking and air pollution is tied to obesity. The study started with 10 year olds and followed the children until they were 18 years old. They charted the amounts of nitrogen dioxide, smoking, and pollution, and also took into account factors such as family income and exercise. They found that the children had higher BMIs when they were around more pollution. 

Connection: In health class, we studied obesity rates and how more people are becoming obese through lifestyle choices. We also started talking about addiction to drugs, alcohol, etc. and the ways these negatively affect your body. 

Question: How much are you exposed to air pollution, and how can you prevent any extra exposure? Given that traffic pollution and second hand smoking are harmful to your health, what other types of pollution can have negative impacts on your body?

URL: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/17/obesity-is-tied-to-pollutants/?_r=0