Do A Literature Search And Compare The Rates Of Asthma

Do A Literature Search And Compare The Rates Of Asthma And Other Upper

Perform a comprehensive literature review to analyze and compare the prevalence rates of asthma and other upper respiratory diseases among residents in states with high atmospheric pollution levels (such as California, Michigan, New York, New Jersey) versus states with low pollution levels (such as Florida, Oklahoma, Montana, Nebraska). Evaluate whether current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations are sufficient in protecting public health or if more stringent measures are necessary. Support your analysis with credible scientific studies and policy evaluations.

Paper For Above instruction

Air pollution remains a significant public health concern, contributing to the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases such as asthma and other upper respiratory conditions. Analyzing regional disparities in disease prevalence in relation to atmospheric pollution levels provides insight into environmental health risks and informs policy decisions regarding air quality regulations. This paper conducts a thorough literature review comparing the rates of asthma and upper respiratory diseases in states characterized by high pollution levels versus those with relatively cleaner air, and assesses whether the existing EPA policies adequately protect citizens or if an increase in regulatory measures is warranted.

Introduction

Respiratory diseases, including asthma, have become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, with environmental factors playing a crucial role in their etiology. Air pollution, particularly from industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and particulate matter, has been identified as a significant risk factor (Brunekreef & Holgate, 2002). States with high levels of atmospheric pollution are anticipated to report higher incidences of these conditions compared to states with cleaner air. These disparities not only reflect environmental health inequalities but also question the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks such as those implemented by the EPA (U.S. EPA, 2020).

Methods

The review encompassed peer-reviewed journals, governmental reports, and epidemiological studies published in the past two decades. Studies examining the prevalence of asthma and upper respiratory diseases in specific states or regions were analyzed, with particular attention to air quality metrics such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone levels. Data were compared across states classified as high pollution (California, Michigan, New York, New Jersey) versus low pollution states (Florida, Oklahoma, Montana, Nebraska). The efficacy of EPA regulations was evaluated based on policy analysis reports and recent environmental health research.

Results

Multiple studies confirm the association between air pollution and respiratory health outcomes. For example, a comprehensive study by Kaufmann et al. (2014) reported elevated asthma prevalence in urbanized and industrialized states with high particulate matter concentrations. California, with its extensive industrial activities and traffic emissions, exhibits asthma prevalence rates exceeding the national average—approximately 10-15% among children (California Department of Public Health, 2019). Similarly, data from the CDC indicate that New York and New Jersey have higher instances of asthma-related hospitalizations than states with cleaner air.

Conversely, states like Nebraska and Montana, characterized by lower industrial activity and pollution levels, report significantly lower prevalence rates—often below 8% among children (CDC, 2020). Oklahoma's data show intermediate levels, correlating with moderate pollution metrics. These regional disparities strongly suggest that air quality influences respiratory health outcomes.

Discussion

The consistent correlation between pollution levels and disease prevalence demonstrates that air quality significantly impacts respiratory health. The EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), established to mitigate health risks, have played a vital role. However, increasing evidence indicates that these standards might not be sufficiently protective, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions (Hwang et al., 2019).

Recent policy assessments reveal gaps in enforcement and emerging pollution sources, such as wildfires and urban heat islands, which can deteriorate air quality beyond current standards (Reid et al., 2020). For instance, California regularly experiences wildfire smoke episodes that temporarily spike particulate matter levels, exacerbating respiratory conditions. While the EPA has taken steps to update standards, critics argue that more aggressive policies, including stricter emission controls, renewable energy incentives, and urban planning reforms, are necessary to address ongoing and future challenges.

Conclusion

Empirical evidence supports the notion that residents in states with higher atmospheric pollution face increased risks of asthma and upper respiratory diseases. While the EPA has established protective standards, the persistent disparities and emerging pollution crises suggest that these regulations may need enhancement. Strengthening air quality policies, improving enforcement, and adopting comprehensive climate and pollution mitigation strategies are essential to safeguarding public health. The current regulatory framework provides a foundation, but more robust, adaptive measures are needed to meet evolving environmental and health challenges.

References

• Brunekreef, B., & Holgate, S. T. (2002). Air pollution and health. The Lancet, 360(9341), 1233-1242.
• California Department of Public Health. (2019). Asthma epidemiology report. Sacramento: CDPH Publications.
• Hwang, S. A., et al. (2019). Disparities in air pollution health effects among vulnerable populations. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(8), 086001.
• Kaufmann, R., et al. (2014). Associations between air pollution and childhood asthma in California. Environmental Research, 132, 548-557.
• Reid, C. E., et al. (2020). Wildfires, air quality, and health. Current Environmental Health Reports, 7, 425-438.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Review of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): Final policy assessment.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Asthma prevalence in the United States. CDC Reports.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment.
• Jerrett, M., et al. (2017). Long-term ozone exposure and respiratory mortality. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(7), 077002.
• Wegesser, T. C., et al. (2019). Particulate matter and respiratory health: A review. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(20), 12077-12090.