Affiliation:
1. Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
2. Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Abstract
Climate change is having an unprecedented influence on human health. Children’s allergies and respiratory problems are increasing because of rising pollen levels and air pollution. School nurses are well positioned to prevent and treat allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Due to their consistent presence with the school setting, nurses can promote health, wellness, and academic productivity by addressing poor indoor and outdoor air quality. The purpose of this article is to increase understanding of how air quality affects the health of school-age children and to provide school nurses with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies for ensuring clean and healthy learning environments. This is the second in a series of articles aimed at raising awareness among school nurses about climate-associated illnesses and equipping them with the resources they need to protect students’ health.
Reference16 articles.
1. Fine Particles in Wildfire Smoke and Pediatric Respiratory Health in California
2. American Lung Association. (2023). Children and air pollution. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk/children-and-air-pollution
3. Climate changes reproductive and children’s health: a review of risks, exposures, and impacts
4. School attendance and daily respiratory symptoms in children: influence of moisture damage
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Climate effects on health. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/default.htm