Think you do not have to worry about your lung health because you don't smoke?  Think again.

   We live in a toxic environment.  I've noticed a tremendous amount of air pollution here, in Detroit, as compared to other places that I've lived.  I feel as though it would be of great benefit to invest in surgical face masks for my family and I.  Currently, I keep tissues in my car in order to cover my nose and filter out emissions and other unbearable fumes that come my way.

   Although, we are not alone.  "Global warming is causing significant harm to California's environment, economy, agriculture, and public health," said the state's attorney general, Bill Lockyer.

   California has decided to sue six major auto makers for "creating a public nuisance by building millions of vehicles that collectively discharge 289 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually."  

   Air pollution may be linked to lung cancer. 

10 percent to 15 percent of lung cancer cases occur among nonsmokers.  One possible explanation: Inhalation of air pollution, especially fine particulate matter -- fine bits of metal that are too small to be seen with the naked eye but can still enter the lungs.

   I've noticed an alarming increase in children with asthma and believe this may be due, in part, by air pollution.  
   
   A six-year study in Hong Kong, published in the June issue of Clinical and Experimental Allergy, pinpoints an alarming increase in childhood asthma in relation to worsening air pollution.  Specifically, 26,663 children were admitted into hospitals for asthma between 1997 and 2002.  These numbers rose by about 13% after days when pollutants were highest.