DEADLY BLOOD CLOTS   

BREATHING traffic fumes over a long period of time can dramatically raise the risk of potentially deadly blood clots, a study has found.
Increasing exposure to tiny pollutant particles in the air ups the chances of suffering a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clot in the legs, researchers discovered.
As the density of particulate matter rose, so did the likelihood of having blood clots. For every 10 micrograms per square metre increase, the risk of developing DVT went up by 70 per cent.
Scientists also found that the blood of people most exposed to the particles clotted quickly.
Particulates are tiny grains or blobs of solid and liquid chemicals produced by burning fossil fuels, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
Maybe all our buses could be fitted with some kind of air filter which restricts pollutants coming in to the cab area especially when you are slap bang up the rear end of a smelly firstbus.
Another thing which concerns me is the lack of concern shown by members of staff in the garages by individuals who seem to have a habit of leaving engines running for 20 minutes then going for a bacon roll and coffee.The resulting diesel fumes in the morning really ought to be looked at as i perceive them to be a health hazard and would welcome comments from other members of staff on this issue. [MAY '08]
 

Pause for thought

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