Climate Change Threatens Asthmatics

More than 24 million Americans, including more than six million children, suffer from asthma. As the air quality deteriorates from climate change, the situation is worsening, say two organizations, the Allergy Asthma Network and Moms Clean Air Force.

Asthma triggers, including pollen, heat, smoke, mold, and smog, have increased as the climate has altered, releasing heat-trapping gas into the atmosphere.  

Pollen is more potent when carbon dioxide levels rise, and trees and plants make more pollen. Warmer weather allows trees and plants to start making pollen earlier in the season. Asthma sufferers should routinely check pollen counts and air-quality information.

Heat waves are becoming more common and not only trigger asthma attacks but lead to deaths among the elderly and sick. Climate change is also causing more wildfires, the smoke from which can spread hundreds of miles.

When plants are surrounded by high carbon dioxide levels, they develop mold spores. Climate change also increases severe weather events with flooding and heavy rainfall that can increase indoor mold.

Smog—ground-level ozone—is a powerful lung irritant formed when chemicals from power plants, cars, natural gas drilling, and other sources mix with heat and sunlight in the air. More heat equals more smog, especially in large cities.

The Allergy & Asthma Network and Moms Clean Air Force advise that asthmatics know what triggers their symptoms and adapt their daily routine to avoid allergens and pollution.