Environment and Lung Health

Environmental factors can affect those with lung diseases and respiratory conditions.

Lung irritation triggers

• Air pollution
• Pollen
• Smoke from seasonal wildfires
• Smoking
• Exposure to second-hand smoke

In California, and in other warm and tropical locations, increased warmth leads to more blooming and this can make it even more difficult for COPD and Asthma patients to breathe.

Global Warming is linked to the rise in the incidence of asthma in children, "It is a global issue. The increase in warming and blooming of plants are part of the reason for increase in asthma cases."

The link between environment and lung health and disease is one that cannot be ignored. According to BREATHE LA Center for Healthy Lungs Researcher, Dr. Margaret Nield, RN, PhD, "In terms of COPD, primary causes include smoking, and second hand smoke, but the whole other point is environmental. Global warming is the new AIDS."