Clearing the Air

Blog #9

·      What health effects are clearly caused by common air pollutants? 

o   Lung disease a huge one! Asthma comes to mind first and foremost; there is an increase in childhood asthma as we learned last module.

o   Were you aware of the effects on the immune system? 

§  I was, one piece of information that I guess I knew, but really helped to place into perspective was the presentation on Outdoor Air Pollution and the diagram of the strand of hair. Seeing the grain of sand measurements compared to that of the hair strand really helps to illustrate how theses toxic chemicals make it past our basic defense system (nasal hairs).

§  Another point was how the primary pollutants then create secondary pollutants in the forms of acids. Our environment is being attacked from all sides; much like how cancers and viruses mutate and attack our systems, these chemicals change depending on the conditions and atmosphere and create health dangers.

o   What steps can you take to reduce your impact on air quality?

§  Here in California paying attention to our Air Quality days and no-burn days. This is always something that you love to smell especially in Winter, but with the recent fires, you have to be more mindful and respectful. You go to a state of comfort with these smells, but at the same time, go through regret and almost wanting to find the home and educate to put the fire out to keep our environment safe.

§  Educating on proper cleaning and filters that can be installed in the home to protect the air within the home. The clean act of 1970 as stated in the module did amazing things for the environment in terms of limiting the amount of certain chemicals, but as time advances so do new chemicals. New chemicals are being produced rapidly and as a community we need to hold these to the same strict standards. Although bold educating patients to limit their bio-fingerprint with electric cars, solar panels and even planting more trees; to help our environment.

·      Did you discover any environmental risks in your zip code or geographic area by utilizing the air quality assessment tools? 

o   I didn’t, which I’m not sure if this is accurate, or just outdated. It appears that Monterey CA (93940), is very clean and has an incredible recycling program, but source reduction, energy reduction and treatment are missing from this report. Something also disappointing was the Sites-releases, disposal and top 5 chemicals are all missing with “no release to air reported.” Which again may be a very good thing, results are also dated 2016. California is ranked 45-56 for states/territories on total releases.

1. https://iaspub.epa.gov/triexplorer/tri_factsheet.factsheet?&pzip=93940&pYear=2016&pParent=NAT

o   To gain more information, I took a look at a few places I have lived within the US.

o   Virginia (20120) in 2016, they reported Disposal or other release; 30lbs out of 190.0 million lbs was release to water.  The chemical reported was Nitrate compounds (101%) & Lead (0%). 20 out of 56.

1. https://iaspub.epa.gov/triexplorer/tri_factsheet.factsheet?&pzip=20120&pYear=2016&pParent=NAT

o   New Mexico (87122); no data to report. 50 out of 56.

1. https://iaspub.epa.gov/triexplorer/tri_factsheet.factsheet?&pzip=87122&pYear=2016&pParent=NAT

o   Who is responsible for regulating air quality-based in your community/country? 

§  We have a amazing website called AirNow: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&mapcenter=0&cityid=574 Run by the EPA. It has amazing details and sites where you can locate air quality and warnings. It came in great use with the Big Sur fires which directly impacted where I live and work.

§  Monterey is governed by The Monterey Unified Air Pollution Control District.

·      Were the journal articles relevant to your current practice? 

o   Not to current my location, but still enlightening; I had no idea that death due to air pollution is ranked 13^th in premature deaths. The article Clearing the Air had so many interesting and valid points, a few are highlighted below.

o   How can you help mitigate the effects of particulate matter air pollution on your patients? 

§  In the article Clearing the Air, I would incorporate into my practice as a practitioner: reduce the use of air conditioning and particulate filters, decrease indoor combustion for heating and cooking and of course smoking cessation (which I don’t think I have mentioned till now)- this is basic nursing care! As with the article, paying particular attention to vulnerable population such as the very young, elderly and asthmatics they will benefit from limiting out-door activity during peak traffic time and poor air quality days. Although everyone benefits from limiting outdoor exposure and poor air quality days.

o   In terms of a pediatric population, how can you best educate parents on air quality?

§  The education would be the same: I would encourage changing filters often in the home to reduce pollen and dust (any allergy causing particles). Keep children in door during high traffic time (if in a location close to major intersections). Keeping children in door during poor air quality days. Using pure/clean fabrics within the rooms and avoiding carpet if possible. If carpet is located in the home, making sure it is regularly cared for and cleaned.

In The News:
     In keeping with good air quality, I thought I would find an article about the latest round of wildfires that happened too close to my home, The Big Sur and Campfire devastated California burning more than 290 acres between the two. I can still remember walking outside my condo and not only smelling the burning, but seeing the orange glow over one of our mountains.
     Although this was started by an illegal camp fire, the article I chose focuses on Climate Change and how our environment is ever changing and only getting worse. The issue is how to reduce the green gases we as humans produce against the true scale of this issue.  With chemicals release into the atmosphere we are changing or like damaging our world. Wild Fires and other natural disaster are being called just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to how bad it really could be. Changes begin at the smallest level and although states are being given incentives, it is challenging on an individual level.
     Personally it is challenging to make some of these changes, but smaller ones like reusable water bottles, biodegradable utensils, reusable/metal straws, etc. Larger changes may take longer, but according to the article are worth it in the long run to allow for a more stable/clean future.  Pictured below was captured by CNN from the Big Sur Fire.