Feb 13, 2006 - deaths and 4,000 asthma attacks, ... Health, February 2006. www.thehastingsgroup. ... Plant Linked to 700 Premature Deaths Per Year.".
HEALTH TIDBITS
Children and aged persons are considered the most vulnerable to pollution from these plants, which contribute to asthma attacks and pediatric emergency room visits. The estimated impact within Maryland alone is 100 premature deaths and 4,000 asthma attacks, along with 100,000 person-days of minor activity restrictions on an annual basis. Nationally, the rates increase to 700 premature deaths, 30,000 asthma attacks and about 800,000 person-days with minor restrictions in activities. Power plant emissions are a source of pollution and significant public health burden that can be remedied. Similar findings by the Environmental Protection Agency several years ago prompted them to establish the Ambient Air Quality standard, which will be implemented in 2007 and 2010. According to Charles L. Green, MA, MFA, health communication specialist with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Office of Communications at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the agency has not performed any public health assessments or consultations on any of the power plants mentioned. For the moment, one suggestion is for physicians and their patients, especially those with asthma, to be vigilant daily about local air quality by checking the federal website, www.AirNowgov.
REFERENCES
1. News release from the Maryland Nurses Association, February 13, 2006. www.thehastings-
group.com/marylandrn/press-release.html.
Accessed 03/31/06. 2. Levy J, Winkler M, Winkler C. "Analysis of Particulate Matter Impacts for Six Power Plants in Maryland." Report, Harvard School of Public Health, February 2006. www.thehastingsgroup. com/marylandrn/press_release.html. Accessed 06/9/06. 3. Environmental News Wire. "Maryland Power Plant Linked to 700 Premature Deaths Per Year." February 15, 2006. www.ens-newswire.com/ ens/ feb2006/2006-02-1 5-02.asp. Accessed 03/31/06.
Lupus Escalates Heart Disease Risk in Women and Minorities Natasha Thomsen, MPS Women with lupus are at a dramatically increased risk for heart disease, according to the Lupus Research Institute in a February 17 press release, which highlighted facts about the systemic connection and current research. Studies in recent years show that the approximately 1.3 million women with the chronic autoimmune disease in the United States have a 7-50-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease or having a stroke. Moreover, the risk is prevalent regardless of age. The abnormal vascular functions caused by lupus can lead to rapid development of atherosclerosis, which makes women more susceptible to cardiovascular dysfunction, even in women aged
