"127 Million Americans At Risk Of Air-Quality ‘Double Whammy’ Of Smog, Ragweed Pollen" - Doyle Rice
About 40 percent of Americans live in counties where a “double whammy” of unhealthy levels of smog and ragweed pollen – both tied to climate change – combines to threaten respirator health. Smog forms on warm, sunny days and is made worse from the chemicals that come out of vehicle tailpipes and from power plant and industrial smokestacks. It worsens respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “Allergies alone can be life-threatening, especially in children,” said Perry Sheffield, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In addition, air pollution from smog and allergens doesn’t just impact the lungs, it also affects the brain, heart, and skin. Clean air is so important for human health,” explained Dr. Sheffield.
- Perry Sheffield, MD, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Additional coverage: