21.12 Making Connections

LUNG DISEASE: WHERE YOU LIVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Background: Ground-level ozone and suspended particulate matter are two of the most common air pollutants. They are also causes of health problems, especially respiratory illnesses such as asthma. One of the primary sources of ground-level ozone is vehicles. Particulate matter comes from the combustion of organic matter, including wood, fossil fuels, and tobacco.

Case: You are a parent of two children, both of whom have asthma. You are also the primary caregiver for your aging grandmother, who suffers from chronic lung disease. You and your spouse have both been offered jobs in Phoenix, Arizona, and Hamilton, Ontario. The jobs in each location are equivalent, you have family in both locations, and both locations offer the benefits of large cities. Your decision has come down to which city would be the healthiest for your children and grandmother.