Air Pollution and Health Disparities

To a great degree the eminent problem is the air pollution we breathe. Who can help amend the air we breathe. In order to improve the quality of the air, people have to be aware of the specific mode of pollution and the effect of it. The traffic-pollution causes affliction and distress to individuals. The reason for this tragedy is due in part by every one of us. High concentration of vehicle exhausts is the main source of air pollution in urban areas. Neighborhoods in proximity to heavy traffic areas can negatively impact a community’s health conditions and outcomes. Those people that are disproportionately exposed to great levels of exhaust fumes are those who have a low socioeconomic and educational status and are part of race/ethnicity groups. If measures were taken to reduce automobile traffic pollution the prevalence of chronic cardiovascular disease, respiratory symptoms and adverse maternal outcomes would decrease and fewer people would have unfavorable health conditions. There is a growing consensus that environmental pollutants in urban areas is a problem and health disparities among the disadvantaged inhabitants needs to be addressed in efforts to eliminate health inequities.

Vehicles are the main source of air pollution. The following pollutants together are associated with emission are: Carbon monoxide co), Nitrogen Dioxide no2), Sulfur dioxide so2) and particulate matter (PM). Separately, any of these pollutants are understood or assumed to cause adverse health effects. Increases in air pollution are associated with increases in heart attacks, deteriorating respiratory function and increased premature births rates. Information on air quality In the era of serious concerns about the quality of health outcome, more fo...

... middle of paper ...

...ries. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 4, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423172706.htm

Schulz, A. J., Kannan, S., Dvonch, J. T., Israel, B. A., Allen III, A., James, S. A., ... & Lepkowski, J. (2005). Social and physical environments and disparities in risk for cardiovascular disease: the healthy environments partnership conceptual model. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(12), 1817.

Šrám, R. J., Binková, B., Dejmek, J., & Bobak, M. (2005). Ambient air pollution and pregnancy outcomes: a review of the literature. Environmental health perspectives, 113(4), 375.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). (2010). Our Nation’s Air Status and Trends through 2008.

Woghiren-Akinnifesi, E. L. (2013). Residential Proximity to Major Highways-United States, 2010. CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report-United States, 2013, 62(3), 46