Full citation and link. Sandy Bauers, "GreenSpace: Save the heart by avoiding pollution," Philadelphia Inquirer, February 15, 2015, http://www.philly.com/philly/health/hearthealth/20150215_GreenSpace__Save_the_heart_by_avoiding_pollution.html. What two (or more) quotes capture the message of the article?
"While air pollution is more commonly linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, "there is now ample evidence that air pollution is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality," said Robert Storey, cardiology professor at the University of Sheffield in England"
"In this region, although particle pollution has improved, it remains a problem. The most recent State of the Air report by the American Lung Association, released in May 2014, showed that Chester and Delaware Counties and Philadelphia failed to meet standards for year-round particulates."
What is the main point of the article, and how is it supported?
The purpose of the article was to propose another victim of air pollution damage, the heart.
In addition, the article brings into focus the overall impact that air pollution can have on the human body and acquisition of disease.
"When it comes to overall disease burden, the researchers noted that air pollution ranks ninth among modifiable disease factors, ahead of low physical activity, a high-sodium diet, high cholesterol levels, and drug use. More than three million deaths worldwide are caused by air pollution, they said."
They = authors of the European Heart Journal, including Robert Storey (described below)
The article diagnoses particle pollution as the "main culprit" for air pollution human impact. These particles can pass through the body's 'filtration system' throughout the respiratory tract.
Dust, smoke, burning of fossil fuels
Most of the information supporting this article came from research and medical professionals in Europe.
This is the second air pollution news article for Philadelphia that I have annotated that has had lots of European research referenced, and little American research (the other had none).
The article proposes ways the people of Philadelphia can limit their exposure to particulate matter and harmful chemicals present in local air.
Check the air quality online and don't drive on bad air days or "peak hours".
When exercising outdoors, choose areas not by roads or highways
Avoid heating by wood stove. Use a "modern stove" with emission controls.
Encourages government action.
"All the more reason for legislators to act as well."
What actors (individuals or organizations) are referred to? (Provide names and short descriptions.)
Robert Storey
"cardiology professor at the University of Sheffield in England and the lead author of a position paper published in December in the European Heart Journal."
The study noticed that the 1952 "Great Smog of London" had a significant effect on not only respiratory systems but also cardiovascular system.
Joseph O. Minott
Clean Air Council member
Established the list of suggestions to limit air pollution exposure
What kind of causation or responsibility is argued or implied in the article?
The air quality problems in Philadelphia and the well-being of its people were the causation implied in the article.
This is apparent when the article puts a focus on particulate matter being a significant cause for health problems.
"Philadelphia failed to meet standards for year-round particulates" (in State of the Air 2014)
Particulate matter is one of Philadelphia's biggest contributions to air pollution.
The article also argues that there should be more government attention for air quality control.
How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?
If equity issues are addressed at all in this article it would be the disparity in diseases and health between people of low and high exposure to air pollutants.
The article is saying that high exposure, especially to small particulate matter, have worse heart problems and higher probabilities of getting other diseases.
What three points, details or references from the article did you follow up on to advance your understanding of the issued and actors described in the article?
Researched basic information on particulate matter
The smaller the particle, the bigger the danger. Particulate matter can get into the blood if it is small enough. If particles can make it into the lungs, they can never be removed.
Cause haze
NAAQS regulation
Looked into Joseph Minott and his work with the Clean Air Council
Executive Director
I'd really like to annotate some work by the Clean Air Council.
Followed up with Green Space Philadelphia
An environmental news blog for people of Philadelphia about green living.
Sandy Bauers, "GreenSpace: Save the heart by avoiding pollution," Philadelphia Inquirer, February 15, 2015, http://www.philly.com/philly/health/hearthealth/20150215_GreenSpace__Save_the_heart_by_avoiding_pollution.html.
What two (or more) quotes capture the message of the article?
- "While air pollution is more commonly linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, "there is now ample evidence that air pollution is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality," said Robert Storey, cardiology professor at the University of Sheffield in England"
- "In this region, although particle pollution has improved, it remains a problem. The most recent State of the Air report by the American Lung Association, released in May 2014, showed that Chester and Delaware Counties and Philadelphia failed to meet standards for year-round particulates."
What is the main point of the article, and how is it supported?- The purpose of the article was to propose another victim of air pollution damage, the heart.
- In addition, the article brings into focus the overall impact that air pollution can have on the human body and acquisition of disease.
- "When it comes to overall disease burden, the researchers noted that air pollution ranks ninth among modifiable disease factors, ahead of low physical activity, a high-sodium diet, high cholesterol levels, and drug use. More than three million deaths worldwide are caused by air pollution, they said."
- They = authors of the European Heart Journal, including Robert Storey (described below)
- The article diagnoses particle pollution as the "main culprit" for air pollution human impact. These particles can pass through the body's 'filtration system' throughout the respiratory tract.
- Dust, smoke, burning of fossil fuels
- Most of the information supporting this article came from research and medical professionals in Europe.
- This is the second air pollution news article for Philadelphia that I have annotated that has had lots of European research referenced, and little American research (the other had none).
- The article proposes ways the people of Philadelphia can limit their exposure to particulate matter and harmful chemicals present in local air.
- Check the air quality online and don't drive on bad air days or "peak hours".
- When exercising outdoors, choose areas not by roads or highways
- Avoid heating by wood stove. Use a "modern stove" with emission controls.
- Encourages government action.
- "All the more reason for legislators to act as well."
What actors (individuals or organizations) are referred to? (Provide names and short descriptions.)- Robert Storey
- "cardiology professor at the University of Sheffield in England and the lead author of a position paper published in December in the European Heart Journal."
- The study noticed that the 1952 "Great Smog of London" had a significant effect on not only respiratory systems but also cardiovascular system.
- Joseph O. Minott
- Clean Air Council member
- Established the list of suggestions to limit air pollution exposure
What kind of causation or responsibility is argued or implied in the article?- The air quality problems in Philadelphia and the well-being of its people were the causation implied in the article.
- This is apparent when the article puts a focus on particulate matter being a significant cause for health problems.
- "Philadelphia failed to meet standards for year-round particulates" (in State of the Air 2014)
- Particulate matter is one of Philadelphia's biggest contributions to air pollution.
- The article also argues that there should be more government attention for air quality control.
How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?- If equity issues are addressed at all in this article it would be the disparity in diseases and health between people of low and high exposure to air pollutants.
- The article is saying that high exposure, especially to small particulate matter, have worse heart problems and higher probabilities of getting other diseases.
What three points, details or references from the article did you follow up on to advance your understanding of the issued and actors described in the article?