Forum 1 Asthma Incidence Is Increasing
Forum 1 Asthmathe Incidence Of Asthma Is Increasing In The United Sta
Forum 1: Asthma The incidence of asthma is increasing in the United States. There are many theories as to why this is happening. Please research this on the internet and share your research with the class. Please pick one of the theories and explain if you agree or disagree that it is a major cause. (Hint: increased pollution, genetics, too much cleanliness, etc.) explain in no less than 200 words Forum 2: Vaccine and Autism There is a belief among some people that the increase of autism in this country is somehow related to vaccines. Please do some research on this and present your findings. explain in no less than 200 words
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The rising incidence of asthma in the United States has become a significant public health concern, prompting various theories about its causes. Among these, increased pollution is widely considered a major contributor. Urbanization has led to higher levels of airborne pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and volatile organic compounds, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma. Scientific studies have demonstrated a correlation between exposure to air pollution and increased asthma attacks, especially among children and vulnerable populations (Gauderman et al., 2004). I agree that pollution is a critical factor because it directly impacts lung health and airway sensitivity, leading to higher asthma prevalence. Efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality could significantly lessen the burden of asthma, highlighting the importance of environmental policies and community health initiatives. However, other factors such as genetics and increased hygiene also play roles in immune system development, but pollution remains a primary external trigger that we can address through policy and technology. Therefore, I believe that pollution is a primary driver behind the rising cases of asthma in the United States, and addressing environmental issues should be a priority to curb this trend.
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The controversy surrounding vaccines and autism has garnered considerable attention over recent decades. The concern stems from claims that immunizations, particularly those containing thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative—might be linked to the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These claims gained prominence following a 1998 study by Wakefield et al., which suggested a connection, but this study was later discredited for methodological flaws and ethical concerns (DeStefano et al., 2013). Extensive research since then, including large-scale epidemiological studies, has found no credible evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism (Hviid et al., 2019). The initial hypothesis fueled vaccine hesitancy, leading to decreased vaccination rates and subsequent outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles. Public health experts emphasize that vaccines are crucial for controlling infectious diseases and are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. The rise in autism diagnoses is more plausibly attributed to broader diagnostic criteria and increased awareness rather than vaccines. Therefore, based on current scientific evidence, I conclude that vaccines do not cause autism, and vaccination remains a vital public health tool to prevent dangerous infectious diseases.
References
- DeStefano, F., Price, C. S., & Weintraub, E. (2013). Increasing exposure to thimerosal and the risk of autism spectrum disorder. JAMA Pediatrics, 167(4), 382-388.
- Gauderman, W. J., et al. (2004). The Effect of Air Pollution on Lung Development from 10 to 18 Years of Age. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(11), 1057-1067.
- Hviid, A., et al. (2019). Vaccines and autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine, 37(29), 3650-3658.
- Other credible sources discussing pollution's impact on asthma and vaccine safety studies.