Air Pollution and Pulmonary Health in American Indian/Alaska Native Children: Describing and Addressing Inequitable
Cian Jacob1, Joseph Burns2, Cesar E Larancuent3
1Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.
Background:
Air pollution is a significant modifiable risk factor that exacerbates asthma and compromises overall pulmonary health. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations may experience inequitable exposure to air pollution due to centuries of discrimination and forced relocation.
Aims:
This review summarizes studies examining air pollution and its effects on pulmonary health in AI/AN children.
Materials And Methods:
A narrative review was undertaken by searching the largest medical literature databases. The search yielded ~100 articles, of which 12 are included in the review.
Results:
A narrative review was undertaken by searching the largest medical literature databases. The search yielded ~100 articles, of which 12 are included in the review.
Discussion:
AI/AN children are at risk of suboptimal pulmonary health outcomes due to inequitable exposures dictated by historical and current policies outside of their own control.
Conclusion:
To address this inequity, specific advocacy actions must be taken to improve health outcomes related to air pollution among AI/AN youth, while also exploring additional strategies to expand access to pediatric pulmonary care.
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