We represent a volunteer group of pediatricians and future pediatricians (premedical and medical students) who work together to ensure the health of our patients. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls on us to speak up for children at the local government level when their health is at risk due to air pollution. Orange County’s air quality is the worst in the United States—and our children are paying the price. Alongside Los Angeles and Long Beach, our region consistently ranks worst in the nation for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association, which gives us a failing grade year after year. As pediatricians, we see firsthand how air pollution damages pediatric lungs — by triggering asthma exacerbations, causing missed school days for children, and increasing children’s susceptibility to viral and bacterial pneumonias. The root of many of these issues is the polluted air in Orange County.
Fortunately in the next few weeks, we have an amazing opportunity for change! On June 6, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) will vote on new standards that target one of the region’s most dangerous and overlooked sources of air pollution: the gas-powered water heaters and furnaces inside our homes. What happens at this meeting will determine the future health of our children.
Indoor air pollution affects pediatric lungs, and poor indoor air quality leads to poor pediatric health. The gas appliances we use hide in plain sight—yet they produce seven times more smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution than the region’s power plants. The longer we keep using gas appliances, the longer our children will suffer disproportionately worse health compared to other regions.
Burning fossil fuels in homes and buildings contributes to an estimated 76,000 asthma attacks, 30,000 missed school days, 130 premature deaths, and $2 billion in health-related costs each year. Those aren’t just statistics—they’re our children. These are the kids growing up in our neighborhoods who deserve a chance to thrive without having their growing lungs strained by dirty air. They are the kids coming to our pediatric clinics with worsening health…