After a long winter, is it time to enjoy Pennsylvania’s beautiful outdoors.  As nurses, we know the health impacts of air pollutants such as tobacco smoke and carbon dioxide.  We also have cared for or know someone who suffers with asthma.  Some of the factors influencing asthmatic patients are related to indoor air quality, but our outdoor air quality can have negative short- and long-term health effects.  A recent report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) – identified that globally air pollution in general is a risk factor for cancer.  While U.S. clean air policies have improved air quality, there are still air contaminates that exacerbate existing health problems or help in their development. Learn more here.

Brought to you by the PSNA Environmental Health Committee, an active group of Pennsylvania nurses who educate and advocate for a healthy environment for the patients and families across the state. Members serve as state and national representatives at events and on committees focused on improving the environment and promoting health where we live and work.