#74 - Environmental Impact of Climate Change for People with Asthma and Allergies

As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the effects of climate change on respiratory health become even more noticeable.

Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, an expert in respiratory health, joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss how climate change exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. 

The episode explores why we should consider the connection between climate change and asthma. Understanding the mechanisms behind it is crucial. Dr. Lovinsky-Desir explains how increased temperatures lead to higher levels of air pollution and create “heat islands" in urban areas. Heat islands are urban areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities. These islands intensify health risks by trapping heat and pollutants, worsening air quality and increasing respiratory distress.

Dr. Lovinsky-Desir and Dr. G share practical measures that are easy to implement and can significantly help us navigate poor air quality. These include wearing masks during high pollution and monitoring air quality through initiatives like the State of the Air Report or your weather app. She also highlights the role of organizations like the American Lung Association in providing resources and support for improving indoor air quality.

We hope this episode helps you better understand climate change's impact on air quality, the overall environment, and lung health. Hopefully, you can take meaningful steps towards a healthier future for all. If you are in doubt about the impacts of climate change, this episode is for you!

What we cover in our about climate change, air pollution and lung health

• The relationship between air pollution, air quality and climate change
• The impact of climate change on season allergies
• The effect of air quality on lung health
• The populations most impacted by poor air quality
• Poor housing and its effects on lung health
• Programs and resources help make housing healthier 
• What you can do to keep your lungs safe
• How to explain to someone why they need to care about climate change and asthma

Helpful links

• More about our sponsor, Chiesi: https://www.chiesiusa.com/
• Pollen Report from Allergy Asthma Network: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/weather/ 
• State of the Air Report from The Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/research/sota
• Tips to Manage Asthma and Allergies Caused by Climate Change: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/climate-change-what-you-can/
• Lifestyle Changes to Manage Asthma: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/lifestyle-changes-to-manage-asthma/