According to Conserve Energy Future, air pollution can take 1-2 years off of your life. Many have health issues such as asthma, heart issues, lung disease, and even cancer from air pollution.

Margaret Gordon, an Eco-activist said many kids in her community get asthma from the many trucks in her neighborhood. her neighborhood is near a port where 22,000-44,000 trucks pass through everyday. Margaret started a non-profit environmental project where she and other volunteers collect data to push for legislation to change the law.

Her hard work has forced the port to reroute trucks away from residential areas and the trucks have to be 2005 or newer. Also, having the rigs plug in at the port instead of running their engines which cleans up the diesel exhaust her neighbors breathe. The air quality is 70% better since these changes have been made in Margaret’s community. Margaret has been recognized throughout the country and honored by the Obama administration for all her heart work to create change.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• 1 in 12 people have asthma
• Asthma is one of the most common disorders in childhood
• More than 7 million children have asthma
• One of the leading causes of absenteeism is asthma

PRMC Pediatric Hospitalist, Katherine Layton, says having asthma can be a scary experience for the patient and the parents.

Katherine tells us about possible symptoms of asthma:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Cough (often with vomiting)
• Difficulty breathing
• Nose flaring
• Breathing Fast
• Skin between ribs sucked in

Asthma Triggers at School:

• Respiratory infections
• Allergens
• Exercise
• Emotions

Katherine said to be sure your child’s teacher is aware, as well as the school nurse, that your child has asthma. There are chambers/spacers to assure your child gets their medication in their lungs and not just their mouth. The chamber attaches to the inhaler to make it easier for children.