Facts for Health Professionals

Health Impacts: General

Symptoms/Health Impacts Causes

Sources of pollutants Links

54% increased risk of stroke

Particulate matter Nitrogen dioxide

Vehicle Exhaust

http://integralongevity.com/?p=347

Increased heart rate2 Hours exposure to high roadside pollution

Vehicle Exhaust

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/103/23/2810

Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in the legs

Not SpecifiedVehicle Exhaust

http://wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?topic_id=1421&fuseaction=topics.documents&doc_id=445450&group_id=233293Changes in heart rhythm

& clot formation that may lead to serious cardiac events

2 Hours exposure to Particulate Matter

Vehicle Exhaust

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100123/Air-pollution-is-associated-with-increased-cardiac-events.aspx

Health Impacts: Children/Infant

Symptoms/Health Impacts Causes

Sources of pollutants Links

Reduced lung function Exposure to high level of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter

Not Specifiedhttp://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/94503.html

Exacerbates and can even cause asthma

Exposure to air pollution within 300 to 500 metres from highways and major roads

VehicleExhaust

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/health/research/13exhaust.html

Reduces the effectiveness of asthma inhalers by about 15%

An increase of 10ppb in NO2 levels in the air Not Specified http://mobile.reuters.c

om/mobile/m/FullArticle/p.rdt/CHLT/nhealthNews_uUSTRE5BR2YW20091228Causes children younger

than two to wheezeNickel & Vanadium

VehicleExhaust

http://www.redorbit.com/news/display/?id=1801116

Causes children younger than two to cough

Black Carbon (Diesel Exhaust)

Health Impacts: Children/Infant

Symptoms/Health Impacts

Caused by Sources of pollutants

Links

Increased risk of low birth weight

Carbon MonoxideVehicle Exhaust

http://www.nber.org/papers/w14196

Increased infant mortality Carbon Monoxide

65% increased risk of contracting pneumonia

Exposure to air pollution within 100 metres of a main road

Vehicle Exhaust

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jan/24/traffic-pollution-child-pneumonia

Health Impacts: Pregnancy

Symptoms/Health Impacts

Caused by Sources of pollutants

Links

9.1% of children born were below the ideal birth-weight and 7.4% were born prematurely

High level of ozone (O3), particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Not specified http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/01/air-pollution-can-harm-human-reproduction.php

Lower IQ (4-5 points)Exposure to high levels of roadside pollution

Vehicle Exhaust

　http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/51183267.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

Health Impacts: Elderly

Symptoms/Health Impacts Caused by

Sources of pollutants Links

More than double the risk of contracting pneumonia

Exposure for more than 12 months to higher levels of NO2 and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Vehicle Exhaust

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/mu-apl122109.php

Cognitive dementia in women above 68 years old

Long-term (20+ yrs) proximity to highways (high levels of particulate matter)

Vehicle Exhaust

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/printstory.php?news=301938

How to minimize the adverse health effects of air pollution?

• Those with moderate to severe heart or lung disease might consider staying indoor during high API period.

• Reducing outdoor exercise is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and reduce health risks.

• Peoples should drink plenty of fluids to keep their respiratory membranes moist when staying long in heavily polluted districts.

• Using of air filters is effective to reduce the level of air pollution, especially the volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

How to minimize the adverse health effects of air pollution?

• Disposable respirator, N95, provides some level of protection from exposure to particulate matter. One-strap paper masks, surgical masks, or other face coverings are likely to provide far less or no protection.

• Increases suitable level of anti-oxidants in daily diet to reduce the oxidative stress triggered by air pollution.

• Pedestrians consider moving a street or two away from main intersections in order to avoid air pollution concentrations.

You CAN make a difference!

• Assist minimize the health impacts on patients.

• Civic engagement

You CAN make a difference: Health

Step 1 – Education yourselfStep 2 – Education your patients• Teach them the health impacts• Encourage them to have healthy exercises and diet to

make body strong• Remind them, if possible

You CAN make a difference: Civic Engagement

• Sign CAN’s petition• Volunteer at CAN in helping in speech at

community events as a health professional• Encourage your clinic to do petition sign up

Contribute to the solution!

SPEAK OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION

FOR CLEANER AIR

NOWwww.hongkongCAN.org