Climate Change and Public Health Air Pollutants

Question: 1: Select one adaptation and one mitigation strategy for air quality and evaluate both according to the following criteria. Is the strategy:- [100 words] (a) Acceptable to the broader community? (b) Feasible to implement? (c) Scientifically valid i.e., demonstrated impact on human health outcomes? 2: Briefly comment on one of the following challenges:- translating principles into practise; or moving from a good idea or concept into application in a real world; or communicating potential hazards that are expected to occur in the distant future? [100 words 3.What did you learn from studying this Module? List one to three key points only! [50 words] On-lineQuestion 2 Do you think this new information will help you as a public health practitioner, clinician or citizen in a practical way to minimise the health impact of climate change on human health? Explain why or why not. Answer: 1. 1: Precursor gases and particulate matter emitted from vehicle exhausts, power plants, windblown dust and construction debris are modifiable sources of air pollution. This is possible through the use of alternative fuel sources, and reduced use of private cars in favour of public transport. Aeroallergens occur naturally and thus not modifiable1. 2. Air pollutants such as dust and fumes cause allergic reactions leading to inflammation of respiratory organs. These exacerbate pre-existing respiratory allergic diseases including asthma and bronchitis. Allergic reactions could also be triggered by ingesting specific food types, and smells causing a similar health effect as the air pollutants1. 3. Air pollutants mostly affect children and adults with existing allergies, respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Of these groups, productive adults clearly have the most pull on social, economic and government policies since its the adults who form the policy-making bodies in the society unlike elderly people and children2. 2. 1 Air quality forecasts would greatly assist the community to adapt by preparing for air pollution effects beforehand. Such information could be passed through available media channels hence feasible. Science also shows that medication could be taken in advance to lower the severity of air pollution effects on affected people3. Reduced carbon emissions strategy would be acceptable the community. Use of eco-friendly energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal would reduce energy costs, reducing peoples expenditure. This strategy is also quite feasible since sunshine and wind are free resources. Scientific studies have shown that reduced carbon emissions increase air quality3. 2. Communicating potential hazards expected to occur may at times be difficult. Since these forecasts depend on past observations and currently available data, scientists may only estimate the period of occurrence but may not exactly determine when the hazard occurs. The expected catastrophe may also pass thereby leading to financial losses incurred in adaptation to such occurrences3. Inaccurate data measuring instruments could lead to incorrect data being obtained and thus translating into incorrect predictions being made. As a result of this miscommunication, people may not be able to adapt appropriately for the hazards when they finally occur4. 3. 1 I learnt a lot from Module 6: Air Pollution and Air Quality. This include: The definition, sources and causative agents of air pollution. The influence of air pollution and climate change on human health. The Mitigation and adaptive strategies to curb air pollution and climate change. 2. The information from this module will significantly help me reduce the health impact of climate change. I have learnt of adaptive and mitigation strategies which will minimise the effects. Information on causes of climate change will also assist me in avoiding such conditions that might increase human exposure to climate change. References Beggs PJ, Bennett CM. Climate change, aeroallergens, natural particulates, and human health in Australia: state of the science and policy. Asia-Pacific journal of public health. 2011 Mar 1;23(2 suppl):46S-53S. Spickett JT, Brown HL, Rumchev K. Climate change and air quality: the potential impact on health. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. 2011 Mar 1;23(2 suppl):37S-45S. O'Rourke M. the australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care agenda for improvement and implementation. Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management. 2007;2(2):21. Hurley PJ, Blockley A, Rayner K. Verification of a prognostic meteorological and air pollution model for year-long predictions in the Kwinana industrial region of Western Australia. Atmospheric Environment. 2001 Apr 30;35(10):1871-80.