Tuesday, April 01, 2008
WHAT'S EATING MANONG?
Why was Manong looking so glum while in the company of these vivacious ladies inside a jeepney? After all, isn't it every man's fantasy to be surrounded by a bunch of robust and fun-loving females?
Perhaps, Manong was just too preoccupied mulling over the recent published study in the scientific journal Particle & Fibre Toxicology which claim that constant exposure to diesel fumes can adversely affect the brain.
According to a study by Dutch researcher Paul Borm of Zuyd University, a stress response in the brain (which may cause adverse longterm effects on the brain function) is triggered by constant inhalation of diesel fumes.
Supposedly, minute particles of soot, or nano particles, travel from the nasal passages and then lodge in the brain. Continued research, however, is needed to further determine the clinical effect of this stress and its impact on verbal and non-verbal intelligence or memory abilities.
"We can only speculate what these effects may mean for the chronic exposure to air pollution encountered in busy cities where the levels of such soot particles can be very high," said Borm.
Meanwhile, to avoid inhaling excessive diesel exhaust during his daily travels in and around the metropolis, it may be a good idea for Manong to always cover his nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
And that being said, there is no reason why he shouldn't continue to fully enjoy the company of women charmed by his Don Juanesque good looks.
Related Links:
Exposure to diesel exhaust induces changes in EEG in human volunteers - Particle & Fibre Toxicology
Diesel Fumes can affect your brain, scientists say - ABC News
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posted by Señor Enrique at 9:52 AM
20 Comments:
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said... Might as well wear one of those anti-pollution masks when going out. I see some wearing 'em. But I imagine it can be bothersome having a covering on the face, plus it's alien-looking. :)
Jeez... I'm bothered with this one:
"Supposedly, minute particles of soot, or nano particles, travel from the nasal passages and then lodge in the brain."-
Kyels said... Kuya Eric, what does "Manong" mean?
It's true; what the articles said but w/the world population growing, means of transportation will grow too. Can't stop it from happening I guess.-
said...
maybe manong found them to be too maingay :)
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gmirage said...
I think not only diesel fumes could clog nasal passages and the brain, I've been having trouble both with breathing and thinking because of the pollen! lol.
Great info Senor, Thanks for sharing. Just want to know if this is actually a jeepney in Manila and are they strangers or passengers lang talaga? Thanks!-
Señor Enrique said...
The very first time I saw people wearing those face masks was in Tokyo when I was a mere teenager. The Japanese, as it turned out, would wear one whenever they have a cold and must go out so as not to infect others.
Yes, Rhoda, this would be a good measure to prevent inhaling those diesel fumes.-
Señor Enrique said...
Manong is the Ilocano version of kuya, Kyels, :)
Yes, we must come up with efficient mass transit systems as our population grows.-
Señor Enrique said...
That could very well be true, Danii :)
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Señor Enrique said...
That's a typical jeepney that plies Metro Manila, Gizelle. And those folks all know one another :)
Pollen can be a major problem to some folks, all right. My nephew suffers from such.-
Sidney said...
I understand this guy... he has the attention of all those women... then you come along with your good looks and all those girls go gaga about you...they give you their best smiles and laughs...they even wave at you...
Manong is thinking... what has this man that I don't have?-
Señor Enrique said...
Nice try, Sidney ... hehehe!
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said...
I'll look that glum too, if my wife took my viagra pills for safekeeping after I left our house and all these girls are going gaga over me. I am just kidding!!!
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nutart said...
cool interpretation to the pic segueing on the perils of diesel fumes, Eric :-)!
Here up the mountain, we are certainly blest with clean, pure mountain air. Whenever, a tricycle comes or even a jeepney with strong diesel fumes come we can really distinguish the noxious fumes from our normal intake of clean air. Hindi halata sa Manila because it's really all over. My lungs can only take three days there (no kidding) before I feel already weak and coughing. Sad.
One of our neighbors had their relatives taking their vacation up here and their only comment was that they might get really sick just by breathing clean air :-) :-(...-
said...
Manong's droopy eyes look like he just had a menage-a-trois with some of the ladies in the jeepney hehe :)
Agree with the study. The excessive diesel fumes are diabolicial for the lungs and brain alike. :(-
Unknown said...
I think Manong left his happy pill at home...while these ladies are high from diesel fumes.:D
Riding jeepneys and buses in Metro Manila is not for the faint-hearted.:D-
said...
I guess he became the butt of their jokes, that's why.
Nice info on air pollution. Really would like to go to the province and gulp some fresh air.-
Señor Enrique said...
Lol ... that's funny, bertN!
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Señor Enrique said...
That's right, Bernadette! Many folks who had gotten used to the polluted urban settings may suddenly not fare too well in such pristine environments ... hehehe.
The diesel fumes from many jeepnys and motor vehicles in Manila can be overwhelming at times :(-
Señor Enrique said...
To BW, Luna and Dave:
Jeeez ... you guys are so imaginative ... hahaha!-
reyd said...
Manong paid for all their fares. LOL!
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Señor Enrique said...
Most probably, Reyd ... hahaha!
