Summary of the Issues
The human body, an amazingly complex defense and self-healing system, is increasingly under attack. The invader, which can be odorless and invisible, rides quietly on the most essential element in the human environment – the air we breathe. Air pollution is the invader that can break down the body's defenses, or at least contribute to the burden this elegant defense system bears. This invasion takes its toll on health, especially in the Houston-Galveston area, known to have the most toxic air in the United States. Air pollution in the area includes ozone and a long list of toxic chemicals. Fine particles absorb and carry toxins and can be breathed deep into the lungs. Ultra-fine particles can pass through the blood brain barrier.Pregnant women are being exposed to the toxic air. This exposure can harm the embryo and developing fetus as the toxins are carried in the mother’s blood into the womb. Infants are exposed every day to toxic chemicals and other harmful substances in the air they breathe, the water they drink,
even in their mothers’ milk. Children, who spend more time in vigorous activities outdoors, are more vulnerable to air pollution. In the Houston-Galveston area, they are exposed to it every day. Exposure to these health hazards is putting children at risk for asthma, cancer, and developmental problems. Even infant death and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been linked to toxic air.A long list of diseases in adults, as well as children, can be associated with air pollution including, heart disease, respiratory illnesses and cancer.
There is no true monitoring of the emissions from plants and refineries. Better monitoring and more studies to understand the health effects of air pollution are needed. Action needs to be taken now for proper monitoring, reporting and reduction of emissions from plants and refineries and to reduce the heavy traffic on area roadways.
Features
The project includes a six-part series on The Health Effects of Air Pollution and Air Pollution Alerts - shorter news clips provided as new information about the health effects of air pollution becomes available. The project also includes an information packet for the media in hopes that the issue of air pollution and health will get the news coverage it deserves. With appropriate funding, we plan to collaborate with researchers to find out more about the connections between air pollution and health and report those to you on a regular basis.
Get more on cancer and what you can do for cancer prevention.
Get the latest article on health and the environment affecting Houstonians and the Texas region.
Get access to the latest studies and reports on health and the environment from journals and organizations worldwide.
