Respiratory Care: Climate Change Air Quality

Environmental Factors and Respiratory Care

• Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) can lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
• Indoor Air Quality: Indoor pollutants from cooking stoves, mold, and household products can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Climate Change: Increasing temperatures and extreme weather events can worsen respiratory conditions and increase the prevalence of respiratory infections.

Role of Respiratory Care Students

• Patient Education: Educate patients about the impact of environmental factors on respiratory health and ways to reduce exposure.
• Advocacy: Advocate for policies that improve air quality and reduce environmental pollution.
• Research: Participate in research to better understand the relationship between environmental health and respiratory conditions.

Resources

• CDC: Air Quality and Respiratory Health
• WHO: Air Pollution and Health
• Mayo Clinic: Respiratory Care Program Handbook
• Environmental Pollution and Its Impact on Respiratory Health

Asthma’s Worrying Trend — and Why Climate Change Is the Culprit