Environmental Justice and Underserved Communities.
Underserved communities suffer from environmental inequities. Gases lead to hypoxia and respiratory compromise, ozone to increased respiratory illnesses and decreased mental acuity, and mercury to prenatal cognitive disabilities and antisocial behaviors. Lead toxicity is associated with developmental delays. Cadmium is linked with cancer. The smaller sizes of air pollution particulate matter are pathogenic and are associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and nervous system disorders. Bisphenol A is being studied for possible links to cancer and pregnancy risks. Physicians should be aware of these dangers, especially in underserved communities and populations. Investigating possible environmental risks and education are key.
Sports Medicine Fellowship, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr D. B. Todd Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208, USA. Electronic address: vmorelli@mmc.edu.
Vincent
V
Morelli
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 461 21st Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
Carol
C
Ziegler
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
Omotayo
O
Fawibe
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D004777:Environment; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012935:Social Justice; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
Air pollution; Environmental justice; Ingested pollutants; Toxins