15.2.4.2.3.3. Suspended particulates
Fine particulates are associated with respiratory symptoms, airway hyperreactivity,
impaired lung function, reduced exercise capacity, pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary
function decrements, increased number of emergency room visits for asthma, increased
hospitalizations, increased absence from school or work, and increased mortality
from cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. Children, the elderly, smokers,
asthmatics, and others with respiratory disorders are especially vulnerable
to particulate air pollution (Stieb et al., 1995; Seaton, 1996;
Choudry et al., 1997; Duncan et al., 1998; USEPA,
1998a).
15.2.4.2.4. Nutritional health
In the United States, food-borne diseases are estimated to cause 76 million cases
of illness annually, with 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths (Mead et
al., 1999). Future food importations are likely to be associated with increases
in outbreaks of some viral, parasitic, and bacterial diseases, such as hepatitis
A (Duncan et al., 1998).
Many aboriginal communities undertake hunting, fishing, and other resource-based
activities for subsistence. Climate change is likely to dramatically alter the
abundance and distribution of wildlife, fish, and vegetation. As a result, food
supplies and economic livelihoods of many First Nations peoples would be in
jeopardy (Last et al., 1998; Weller and Lange, 1999). Disappearance of
traditional medicinal plants from areas populated by Native American and other
indigenous peoples may likewise affect physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
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Figure 15-3: Cycle of human response to natural hazards,
including response and recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. This response
can alter vulnerability and thereby influence future disasters (Etkin,
1999).
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