Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Hurricanes and asthma There's a connection in Georgia. Unusually high humidity remains from a heavy storm season, which means more mold spores in the air. These microscopic particles — floating around the Atlanta area in the greatest quantities in more than a century — are triggering allergies, asthma, headaches, stuffy noses, itchy eyes, wheezing, flulike symptoms and fatigue. There's been a run across the metro area on dehumidifiers — electric machines that suck mold-causing moisture out of the air, but the devices are hard to find. And allergists' offices are full of people suffering like it's the height of springtime pollen season. The story also notes that mold problems may be a cause for the general increase in asthma rates over the past 20 years. I think it's just one reason. 11:11:36 AM | permalink | comment [] Don't worry about that thick, murky air you're inhaling Smog problems don't necessarily lead to asthma problems, according to a report in today's Denver Post. Citing research by the respected National Jewish Medical and Research Center, the post story says the authors of the study were surprised by the findings. Others were shocked: Officials at the American Lung Association of Colorado were even more stunned. "I would love to see their study," said Cindy Liverance, the association's public relations manager. In her office, Liverance said, she has reams of studies showing the perils of air pollution on health in general, and on the health of people with asthma in particular. If the National Jewish findings truly refute them, Liverance said, "Then in my mind there are more studies that need to be done." Agreed. 10:43:37 AM | permalink | comment []

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