1. Facts for Health Professionals

2. Health Impacts: General Symptoms/ Health Impacts Causes Sources of pollutants Links 54% increased risk of stroke Particulate matter Nitrogen dioxide Vehicle Exhaust http://integralongevity. com/?p=347 Increased heart rate 2 Hours exposure to high roadside pollution Vehicle Exhaust http://circ.ahajournals. org/cgi/content/full/10 3/23/2810 Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in the legs Not Specified Vehicle Exhaust http://wilsoncenter.org /index.cfm?topic_id=1 421&fuseaction=topic s.documents&doc_id =445450&group_id=2 33293 Changes in heart rhythm & clot formation that may lead to serious cardiac events 2 Hours exposure to Particulate Matter Vehicle Exhaust http://www.news- medical.net/news/201 00123/Air-pollution-is- associated-with- increased-cardiac- events.aspx

3. Health Impacts: Children/Infant Symptoms/Health Impacts Causes Sources of pollutants Links Reduced lung function Exposure to high level of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter Not Specified http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/945 03.html Exacerbates and can even cause asthma Exposure to air pollution within 300 to 500 metres from highways and major roads Vehicle Exhaust http://www.nytimes.co m/2010/01/13/health/r esearch/13exhaust.ht ml Reduces the effectiveness of asthma inhalers by about 15% An increase of 10ppb in NO 2 levels in the air Not Specified http://mobile.reuters.c om/mobile/m/FullArtic le/p.rdt/CHLT/nhealth News_uUSTRE5BR2 YW20091228 Causes children younger than two to wheeze Nickel & Vanadium Vehicle Exhaust http://www.redorbit.co m/news/display/?id=1 801116 Causes children younger than two to cough Black Carbon (Diesel Exhaust)

4. Health Impacts: Children/Infant Symptoms/ Health Impacts Caused by Sources of pollutants Links Increased risk of low birth weight Carbon Monoxide Vehicle Exhaust http://www.nber.org/p apers/w14196 Increased infant mortalityCarbon Monoxide 65% increased risk of contracting pneumonia Exposure to air pollution within 100 metres of a main road Vehicle Exhaust http://www.guardian.c o.uk/society/2010/jan/ 24/traffic-pollution- child-pneumonia

5. Health Impacts: Pregnancy Symptoms/ Health Impacts Caused by Sources of pollutants Links 9.1% of children born were below the ideal birth-weight and 7.4% were born prematurely High level of ozone (O 3 ), particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) Not specified http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/01/air -pollution-can-harm- human- reproduction.php Lower IQ (4-5 points) Exposure to high levels of roadside pollution Vehicle Exhaust http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/5 1183267.html?elr=KA rksUUUoDEy3LGDiO 7aiU http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/5 1183267.html?elr=KA rksUUUoDEy3LGDiO 7aiU

6. Health Impacts: Elderly Symptoms/Health Impacts Caused by Sources of pollutants Links More than double the risk of contracting pneumonia Exposure for more than 12 months to higher levels of NO 2 and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) Vehicle Exhaust http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/20 09-12/mu- apl122109.php Cognitive dementia in women above 68 years old Long-term (20+ yrs) proximity to highways (high levels of particulate matter) Vehicle Exhaust http://www.earthtime s.org/articles/printsto ry.php?news=301938

7. How to minimize the adverse health effects of air pollution? Those with moderate to severe heart or lung disease might consider staying indoor during high API period. Reducing outdoor exercise is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and reduce health risks. Peoples should drink plenty of fluids to keep their respiratory membranes moist when staying long in heavily polluted districts. Using of air filters is effective to reduce the level of air pollution, especially the volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

8. How to minimize the adverse health effects of air pollution? Disposable respirator, N95, provides some level of protection from exposure to particulate matter. One-strap paper masks, surgical masks, or other face coverings are likely to provide far less or no protection. Increases suitable level of anti-oxidants in daily diet to reduce the oxidative stress triggered by air pollution. Pedestrians consider moving a street or two away from main intersections in order to avoid air pollution concentrations.

10. You CAN make a difference! Assist minimize the health impacts on patients. Civic engagement

11. You CAN make a difference: Health Step 1 – Education yourself Step 2 – Education your patients Teach them the health impacts Encourage them to have healthy exercises and diet to make body strong Remind them, if possible

12. You CAN make a difference: Civic Engagement Sign CAN’s petition Volunteer at CAN in helping in speech at community events as a health professional Encourage your clinic to do petition sign up

14. Contribute to the solution! SPEAK OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION FOR CLEANER AIR NOW www.hongkongCAN.org