Global warming.In the last 100 years, the Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit, and it may climb between 2.5 and 10 degrees higher by 2100, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change “IPCC” redirects here. For other uses, see IPCC (disambiguation). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by two United Nations organizations, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment (IPCC See IMS Forum. ) predicts. For the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, and the approximately 18 million with asthma, which is frequently triggered by allergens, global warming may mean more frequent and intense symptoms, according to Paul Epstein, M.D., M.PH., associate director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School (HMS) is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University. It is a prestigious American medical school located in the Longwood Medical Area of the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. . Dr. Epstein has just completed a study on how increased [CO.sub.2] accelerates and increases pollen production in ragweed ragweed, any plant of the genus Ambrosia, coarse, weedy herbs belonging to the family Asteraceae (aster family), most of which are native to America. They have inconspicuous greenish flowers and soft subdivided leaves. , which is common throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1998, at least 5,438 people died of asthma in this country, and 423,000 were hospitalized for it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. . Breathing Problems: "Hotter weather means more ozone, or smog, is produced from the burning of fossil fuels, and that will cause more respiratory effects," says Dr. Rosenzweig. Already, approximately half of all Americans live in areas with unhealthy ozone levels, the American Lung Association The American Lung Association (ALA) is a non-profit organization that "fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health". reported in May 2002. What You Can Do To reduce exposure to allergens and lung Irritants: * Check your local weather reports for air quality, including smog and pollen counts, before spending time out of doors. If outdoor air is polluted, keep windows closed. Exercise in early morning, before smog and pollen rise with the day's heat. For local air hotlines, call 800-LUNG-USA. * Use a doormat to reduce tracking-in of dirt end particles. Leave shoes by door. * Remove carpets, in which pollutants collect wash area rugs. * Use HEPA HEPA abbr. 1. high-efficiency particulate air 2. high-efficiency particulate arresting filters, which remove microscopic pollen particles, in vacuum cleaners, airpurifying machines (see GG 90) and air conditioners. * Take refuge in air-conditioned bookstores, museums, cafes or movie theaters when air is bad. To help reduce global-warming gases: * Choose energy-efficient electrical appliances * Drive less: Walk, bike, skate, take public transportion. You'll also burn more calories (30% of Americans are obese). * Ask Congress (202-224-3121) and the White House (202-456-1111) to preserve and enforce the Clean Air Act |
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