from University of Washington, Columbia University and University at Buffalo
A clear connection has been established between some heart and lung diseases and air pollution. Sadly, climate change is increasing certain elements of air pollution. A study led by the University of Washington, Columbia University and University at Buffalo covered eighteen years and more than seven thousand people with more than fifteen thousand CT scans. It shows ozone air pollution accelerates progression of emphysema of the lung. The report in JAMA says researchers were surprised how strong the connection was—similar to smoking as much as a pack a day of cigarettes. Emphysema destroys lung tissue, resulting in wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, increasing the risk of death unless steps are taken to reduce exposure to pollution.