Information about global climate change (or "global warming") and its impact on society is all over the mainstream media, prompting a major shift in how we all think about the environment. Increases in gas prices and heating oil costs this winter, the shift to hybrid automobiles, and protection of our natural resources are constantly in the news and on our minds. There is another impact that global climate change is having that is not as well known. Climate change can also have significant effects on our health, especially for people living with allergic asthma. In fact, climate change negatively affects asthma and allergies more than any other disease. According to research released by Harvard Medical School, increasing temperatures are stimulating the increase of mold, ragweed, particulate matter, and many other airborne triggers in our environment. Other studies suggest that global warming could create a longer allergy season for some people, and may even result in more severe and persistent asthma and allergy symptoms. Breathe New Hampshire Board member, Dr. Mark Windt was one of two American physicians to participate in the first ever international workshop and discussion regarding the public health impact of global warming in Leuven, Belgium in Mid-March. The workshop, The Potential Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Respiratory Disease, brought together representatives from the American Thoracic Society (ATS), its European counterpart, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the Health and Environment Network (HENVINET) to broaden the discussion of environmental changes from relating only to environmental impact to the inevitable public health consequences that will also follow. “This gathering was groundbreaking in terms of looking closely at the health effects, as opposed to just the ecological effects of global climate change,” said Windt. “We know the changes we have already seen have led to increased incidence of asthma, allergies, rhinitis, and many other conditions.” Windt serves on the Environmental Health Policy Committee of the ATS. This committee advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He was one of four representatives of the ATS present at the discussions.
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