Module Components

• Overview
• Assignments

Topics

• Climate Change and Human Health
• Temperature-Related Death and Illness
• Air Quality
• Extreme Events

NURS418 - Climate Change - Evidence and Solutions

Module 3: Climate Change and Health I

Air Quality

Changes in the climate affect the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. The changing climate has modified weather patterns, which in turn have influenced the levels and location of outdoor air pollutants such as ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter. Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels also promote the growth of plants that release airborne allergens (aeroallergens). Finally, these changes to outdoor air quality and aeroallergens also affect indoor air quality as both pollutants and aeroallergens infiltrate homes, schools, and other buildings. Poor air quality, whether outdoors or indoors, can negatively affect the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Higher pollen concentrations and longer pollen seasons can increase allergic sensitization and asthma episodes and thereby limit productivity at work and school.

Key Findings:

• Exacerbated Ozone Health Impacts
• Increased Health Impacts from Wildfires
• Worsened Allergy and Asthma Conditions