There are a number of health issues that can be related to global warming and climate change. Yesterday we discussed a case study in which Hantavirus resulted as the climate changed severely. Today we shall discuss how the sudden and intense warming of the air can lead to a host of respiratory problems.
With global warming expected to increase the number of very hot days over the United States and the world, people that suffer from respiratory issues will experience more symptoms than ever. Because warmer air is a haven for pollutants, smog levels are expected to reach all-time highs with hotter air. For the elderly and those with respiratory issues, this is a dangerous situation to endure. It also compounds the problem of air pollution.
Smog forms when sunlight, heat, and stagnant air meet up with nitrates and various volatile organic compounds in the air. The more heat and stagnant air, the more smog in the air. That’s why cities are hotbeds for smog.
Exposure to smog can do serious harm to lungs and respiratory systems, leading to problems like shortness of breath, throat irritation, chest pains, coughing, and a host of other symptoms. These symptoms lead to hospital visits for asthma attacks and other issues, which can present a serious problem to the most vulnerable among us. The worse the quality of the air gets, the harder it is for people with weaker systems to simply go outside and take a walk or get some fresh air.
“The number of people with asthma in this country has more than doubled over the past 25 years, led by soaring rates in children” says Dr. John Balbus, head of Environmental Defense’s health program. “With climate change worsening smog in some areas and altering pollen levels, future air quality may pose a greater threat to our health, especially those of us with asthma and other lung diseases.”
With these potential issues, it makes more sense than ever to drop by your local Scion dealer and look into a car with greater fuel efficiency. Don’t wait for pollution levels to reach all-time highs. Check out a fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly Scion today.
