Air Pollution

Some of the health effects that are caused by common air pollutants are respiratory issues, such as asthma and lung cancer. I had some awareness of the effects of the immune system; however, I did not know of the direct pathophysiology regarding air pollutants suppressing the immune system's regulatory T cells.

After reading the AirNow website, I can reduce my impact on air quality by carpooling, biking and walking as my transportation. When I am out and about, I tend to combine my errands to decrease "cold starts" and avoid idling on my vehicle. I always check the tire pressure, bring my car in for tune-ups, and check the gas cap is secured after fueling gasoline. At home, I try to purchase environmentally-safe cleaning products to reduce the evaporation of chemicals in the air. I have solar panels at home, so that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Using the Scorecard website, I did discover environmental risks in my geographic area by utilizing the air quality assessment tools.

The top polluters in my zip code are:

• San Francisco Drydock Inc.
• Chevron Prods. Co. San Francisco Terminal
• Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Hunters Point Power Plant

The major pollutants are:

• Xylene (mixed isomers)
• N-Butyl Alcohol
• N-Hexane
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Copper Compounds
• Ethylbenzene
• Naphthalene
• Mercury

7% of the homes in my zip code have lead-based paint. There is one Superfund site in my zip code, and that is the Treasure Island Naval Station - Hunters Point Annex. This Superfund site is located on an island away from the city populated by low-income residents, which draws attention to environmental justice.

Below is the report from Scorecard on San Francisco's air quality:

In terms of water quality, 76% of water bodies are affected by pesticides, 24% by sediments, 12% by pathogens and 12% by nutrients.

I believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating quality in my community and country. The "Spare the Air" Program was created by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to inform the public about the air quality status. Moreover, the program also promotes activities that lessen community impact on air quality.

The journals provided in this week's module were relevant to my practice, as I can help mitigate the effects of particulate matter air pollution on my patients by educating them on the risks and promoting safer practices. In terms of the pediatric population, I can educate parents on air quality by providing them information about safe outdoor air quality, promoting carpooling to/from school and encouraging walking and biking as a family.