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that can be done to reduce air pollutants (see https://www.epa.gov/ References:
sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/menuofcontrolmea- 1. Hernandez ML and Peden DB. Air Pollution: Indoor and Out-
sures.pdf ). When these measures are employed systematically they door. In Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 8th edition.
can reduce emissions and reduce respiratory problems. Examples Edited by Adkinson FN, Bochner BS, Burks WA et al. Elsevier.
of this occurred at both the Atlanta and the Beijing Olympic games. Philadelphia PA. 2014. Pages 482-484.
In 1996, Atlanta reduced ozone by reducing vehicle use and suc- 2. Peden DB. Air pollution in Asthma: effect of pollutants on air-
ceeded in reducing ozone levels and asthma morbidity during the way inflammation. Ann Allergy Immunol. 2001; 87 (suppl):12-
games compared to both immediately before and immediately after 17.
1
the games. In 2008, Beijing implemented controls on both per- 3. Peden DB. The epidemiology and genetics of asthma risk as-
1
sonal automobile use and industrial use of fossil fuels. Particulate sociated with air pollution. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005;
matter smaller than 2.5 um fell from 72.3 ug/m3 before the games 115:213-9.
to 45.7 ug/m3 during the games and daily asthma events fell from 4. Ring J, Buters J and Behrendt H. Particulate and Pollen Inter-
16.5/d before the games to 7.3/d during the games. It is apparent actions. In Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 8th edi-
1
that improving our air quality is not only the responsibility of gov- tion. Edited by Adkinson FN, Bochner BS, Burks WA et al.
ernment and industry but of every one of us who use internal com- Elsevier. Philadelphia PA. 2014. Pages 497 – 505.
bustion engines.

Dr. Theodore Freeman is owner and practicing physician with San Antonio
Asthma and Allergy Clinic at 2833 Babcock Rd. Suite # 304, San Antonio,
TX 78229.

32 San Antonio Medicine • November 2018