Location

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Start Date

1-5-2014 10:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2014 11:00 AM

Project Type

Poster

Description

As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, causing global climate change and severe weather patterns, research is being conducted to determine possible effects on human health. Climate change effects the concentration of pollutants in the air including ambient pollen and other allergens with the potential to trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory distresses. This issue is affecting humans on a global scale and the resulting damages to human health are expected to rise in the coming decades and continue well into the future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making efforts to reduce respiratory health impacts, and reduce a major source of the climate change problem: carbon dioxide, through the Clean Air Act. Although regulated outdoor air pollution levels help to decrease the respiratory disease burden, multiple studies show a need for lower, safer levels. Safer pollutant levels would not only improve health, but prevent economic stress from increased medical expenses. This study explores the relationship between global climate change and the effects on respiratory diseases in humans, as well as the possible implications for the future. Additionally the research looks at current methods of combating this issue to protect human health in a changing climate.

Faculty Sponsor

Gail Carlson

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

CLAS Field of Study

Interdisciplinary Studies

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

842

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May 1st, 10:00 AM May 1st, 11:00 AM

The Effect of Climate Change on Respiratory Diseases

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, causing global climate change and severe weather patterns, research is being conducted to determine possible effects on human health. Climate change effects the concentration of pollutants in the air including ambient pollen and other allergens with the potential to trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory distresses. This issue is affecting humans on a global scale and the resulting damages to human health are expected to rise in the coming decades and continue well into the future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making efforts to reduce respiratory health impacts, and reduce a major source of the climate change problem: carbon dioxide, through the Clean Air Act. Although regulated outdoor air pollution levels help to decrease the respiratory disease burden, multiple studies show a need for lower, safer levels. Safer pollutant levels would not only improve health, but prevent economic stress from increased medical expenses. This study explores the relationship between global climate change and the effects on respiratory diseases in humans, as well as the possible implications for the future. Additionally the research looks at current methods of combating this issue to protect human health in a changing climate.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/378