Global Warming: A Threat To Kids' Health
Children may be especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming and steps should be taken to safeguard their health as temperatures rise, according to a new report.
The American Academy of Pediatricians is calling upon the nation's government and physicians to recognize the impact global warming has on children's health and develop strategies to protect children from potential harm.
Beyond increasing the risk of heat-related conditions like heat stroke and dehydration, researchers say global warming exacerbates common childhood diseases such as asthma and allergies. Children are also at risk of losing a parent or caregiver due to extreme weather.
Global Warming Hurts Kids
According to the group's report, examples of the effects global warming could have on children's health include:
Researchers say children are often most vulnerable to adverse health effects from environmental hazards.
The group encourages pediatricians to be role models for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming by making changes such as switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, reducing thermostat settings in the winter and increasing them in summer, and using cars less.
Their report was presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics in San Francisco.
For more information go to www.aap.org.
By Jennifer Warner
Reviewed by Louise Chang
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