Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
Records 1-2 (of 2 Records) |
Query Trace: Pearcy JN[original query] |
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Unhealthy air quality - United States, 2006-2009
Yip FY , Pearcy JN , Garbe PL , Truman BI . MMWR Suppl 2011 60 (1) 28-32 Particulate matter and ozone are two well-characterized air pollutants that can affect health and are monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Particulate matter (solid or liquid particles suspended in the air) varies widely in size and chemical composition and can include smoke, fumes, soot, and combustion by-products, as well as natural particles (e.g., windblown dust, pollen, and sea salt) (1,2). Particulate matter therefore represents a complex class of air pollutants that differ from other gaseous air pollutants (e.g., ozone). The transport and effect of particulate matter, both in the atmosphere and in the human respiratory tract, are governed principally by particulate size, shape, and density. Individual particles are characterized by their equivalent aerodynamic diameter: coarse particulate matter (2.5--10 µm); fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 (0.1--2.5 µm); and ultrafine particulate matter (<0.1 µm). Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the stratosphere, approximately 10--30 miles above the earth's surface, protecting the earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ozone also exists at ground level and is the primary component of smog. At ground level, ozone is created when specific pollutants react in the presence of sunlight. In urban areas, vehicular and industrial emissions are chief contributors to ozone production. Ground-level ozone adversely affects health and damages the environment. | | The association between outdoor particulate matter concentrations and acute and chronic adverse health outcomes includes premature death, lung cancer, exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and increased risks for cardiovascular morbidity (e.g., myocardial infarction and arrhythmia) (1--6). Data indicate that fine particulate matter is the size fraction most strongly associated with these observed health effects (1--7). Populations most susceptible to these exposures include older adults and children, as well as persons with heart and lung disease. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were set forth in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970* requiring EPA to set air quality standards for specific pollutants, such as PM2.5 and ozone, to protect the health of the general public, as well as that of sensitive populations. States that do not meet the standards are subject to additional regulatory requirements and must develop a state implementation plan to meet the standards. State implementation plans might include control requirements and limits on emissions. In 2006, on the basis of increasing evidence of the effects of PM2.5 on human health, EPA revised its 24-hour NAAQS from 65 µg/m3 to 35 µg/m3. Throughout the United States, PM2.5 concentrations have been decreasing; more counties were in compliance with national pollution standards as of 2008 compared with previous years (8). During 2001--2008, the average annual and 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations declined by 17% and 19%, respectively (8). |
Is there progress toward eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in the leading causes of death?
Keppel KG , Pearcy JN , Heron MP . Public Health Rep 2010 125 (5) 689-97 OBJECTIVES: We examined changes in relative disparities between racial/ethnic populations for the five leading causes of death in the United States from 1990 to 2006. METHODS: The study was based on age-adjusted death rates for four racial/ethnic populations from 1990-1998 and 1999-2006. We compared the percent change in death rates over time between racial/ethnic populations to assess changes in relative differences. We also computed an index of disparity to assess changes in disparities relative to the most favorable group rate. RESULTS: Except for stroke deaths from 1990 to 1998, relative disparities among racial/ethnic populations did not decline between 1990 and 2006. Disparities among racial/ethnic populations increased for heart disease deaths from 1999 to 2006, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease deaths from 1990 to 1998, and for chronic lower respiratory disease deaths from 1999 to 2006. CONCLUSIONS: Deaths rates for the leading causes of death are generally declining; however, relative differences between racial/ethnic groups are not declining. The lack of reduction in relative differences indicates that little progress is being made toward the elimination of racial/ethnic disparities. |
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