Air Quality Issues Due to Particle Pollution with John Balmes, MD
Air Quality Issues Due to Particle Pollution with John Balmes, MD MD Magazine
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Around 40% of US Citizens Reside in Regions with Unhealthy Air Pollution Levels
According to the American Lung Association (ALA)’s 2024 State of the Air report, approximately 40% of US citizens now live in regions with unhealthy air pollution levels. The report gave a failing grade for at least one measure of pollution in the air.
Environmental Issues and Their Impact on Lung Health
The recent episode of Lungcast focused on the environmental issues, their impact on lung health, and the major causes behind them. ALA Chief Medical Officer Albert Rizzo, MD, discussed this year’s State of the Air Report with John Balmes, MD, a professor of medicine emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco.
Causes of Particle Pollution and Disproportionate Effects on Cities
During the interview, Balmes, who also serves as professor of environmental health sciences emeritus for the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, explained the reasons for particle pollution and its disproportionate effect on certain cities. He highlighted wildfires as a major contributor to particle pollution, particularly in California and Northern California. Balmes mentioned that despite progress made in reducing particle pollution from sources like diesel trucks and coal-fired power plants, the increase in particle pollution from wildfire smoke has almost eliminated these benefits. He also mentioned that winds have carried Canadian wildfire smoke to the East Coast, further contributing to harmful impacts.
Health Effects of PM 2.5 Particle Pollution
Rizzo pointed out that the main particle pollution is PM 2.5 and asked Balmes to describe its health effects and identify populations at the highest risk. Balmes explained that when inhaled, these particles reach the deep lung and can even cross the alveolar capillary membrane into the bloodstream, circulating throughout the body. He noted that these fine particles pose problems for individuals with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can lead to exacerbations. Additionally, there is evidence linking PM 2.5 pollution to an increased risk of dementia.
About Lungcast
Lungcast is a monthly respiratory news podcast series hosted by ALA Chief Medical Officer Al Rizzo, MD, and produced by HCPLive. To learn more about this topic, you can view the full video segment posted above.
Subscribe to Lungcast on Spotify
To stay updated with the latest episodes of Lungcast, you can subscribe on Spotify here, or listen to the episode below.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Percentage of population exposed to air pollution levels above the World Health Organization’s guidelines – Number of deaths attributed to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air quality index in urban areas – Percentage of population living in cities with access to clean and affordable energy sources |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Number of countries with policies and measures in place to reduce air pollution – Percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the impact of air pollution on lung health and highlights the health effects of fine particles (PM2.5) on individuals with lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions the reasons for particle pollution in certain cities, including wildfires and pollution from usual sources like diesel trucks and coal-fired power plants. SDG 11 focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the increase in particle pollution from wildfire smoke, which contributes to air pollution. SDG 13 aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the specific target that can be identified is:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the specific target that can be identified is:
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
Under SDG 13: Climate Action, the specific target that can be identified is:
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
For Target 3.9 under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the following indicators can be used:
– Percentage of population exposed to air pollution levels above the World Health Organization’s guidelines.
– Number of deaths attributed to air pollution.
For Target 11.6 under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the following indicators can be used:
– Air quality index in urban areas.
– Percentage of population living in cities with access to clean and affordable energy sources.
For Target 13.2 under SDG 13: Climate Action, the following indicators can be used:
– Number of countries with policies and measures in place to reduce air pollution.
– Percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
These indicators can help measure progress in reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and implementing policies and measures to combat climate change.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Percentage of population exposed to air pollution levels above the World Health Organization’s guidelines – Number of deaths attributed to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air quality index in urban areas – Percentage of population living in cities with access to clean and affordable energy sources |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Number of countries with policies and measures in place to reduce air pollution – Percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: hcplive.com
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