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Commentary: Baltimore’s high asthma rates linked to pollution inside homes
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos comments on how building practices and gas appliances put us at risk of being exposed to pollution within our homes, and how this impacts our lung health. He also discusses how Black citizens of Baltimore are much more likely to be exposed to indoor pollution than white citizens.
Click here to read the article.
Dr. McCormack's Radio Talk - 97.9 Baltimore
Dr. Meredith McCormack talks with 97.9 Baltimore's Justin, Scott & Spiegel about the health impacts of cigarettes, ZYN, and vaping.
Listen here.
Could Your House Make You Sick?
Johns Hopkins experts weigh in on pressing questions about health and safety indoors - from tap water contaminants to fungus to mites, there are certain things in your house that may be detrimental to your health.
Read here to learn more and find tips on controlling these common problems.
Air pollution plagues many in Maryland. Here's how that can change.
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos joins the 'On The Record' podcast to discuss some lesser-known causes of air pollution that come from inside your home.
Listen here.
Commentary: Home heating, cooling systems contribute to poor air quality
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos calls to action Maryland policymakers to advocate for air quality standards for heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heater systems. NOx pollution can come from within our homes as well as from outside them, and the internal sources above are some of those NOx sources.
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The Greatest LGBTQ+ Health Issue of All Time: Commercial Tobacco
Dr. Michelle Eakin and her colleagues from the ATS Tobacco Action Committee recently raised awareness that tobacco companies are using predatory marketing tactics to target LGBTQ+ populations that will lead to higher rates of tobacco use and worse health outcomes.
About 1 in 10 young adults are vaping regularly, CDC report finds
A recent CDC report found that "11% of 18- to 24-year-olds define themselves as current e-cigarette users." Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos stresses the importance of more research on the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes
Where can you breathe easy in retirement? How to find a community with clean air.
When retirees are looking for their next home, they often don't consider air quality, which is a huge factor for good health, especially among the elderly. Dr. Meredith McCormack notes that poor air quality harms more than just your lungs; it can also put you at risk for heart attacks and strokes, and proves more harmful to those with diabetes.
Panagis Galiatsatos, MD: Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Awareness and Screening Efforts
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos emphasizes the importance of lung cancer screenings in the early detection of lung cancer.
Heat stroke, air quality prompt concerns for athlete safety
Among high school athletes, heat stroke is the third leading cause of death. This summer, along with being one of the hottest on record, had the added threat of poor air quality. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos warns that the particulate matter from the wildfire smoke can be so small that it can enter the bloodstream and impact more systems than just your lungs.
Race-Neutral Testing Could Have Given Access to Life-Saving Lung Transplants for More Black Patients
There is new research from the American Thoracic Society that states that "race-neutral lung function interpretation could increase access to lung transplants for Black patients with respiratory disease." Researchers found that race-specific testing may lead to systematic bias that prevents Black patients with respiratory disease from receiving the care they need.
Smoke from Canada wildfires could disrupt your summer vacation
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Many people are used to spending their summertime outdoors, but with the ongoing wildfires, those plans could be compromised. Spending extended periods of time outdoors with poor air quality is most harmful to children, the elderly, and those with lung diseases, but healthy people can also feel the effects.
Hazy still as air quality at Code Orange, unhealthy for some
Dr. Meredith McCormack reminds us that poor air quality and wildfire smoke are not just dangerous for our lungs; the small particles can enter our bloodstream, impacting our brain, heart, hormones, and other body systems. Children, especially, are at high risk for these outcomes.
Hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke takes a toll on outdoor workers
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Not everyone has the luxury of staying indoors to escape the wildfire smoke. Those who work outdoors often have no choice but to be exposed to the heat, humidity, and now, the wildfire smoke. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos recommends that if you can't avoid the outdoors, you wear a high-quality and properly-fitting mask.
How to keep indoor air clean if you don’t have an air purifier.
In a conversation with the New York Times, Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos discusses how to clean your indoor air if you don't have access to an air purifier. While a HEPA filter air purifier is your best option, an air-conditioner that is set to recirculate air is the second best choice. The ongoing wildfire smoke concerns may make this information critical for those with lung diseases.
Is it safe to exercise outdoors when the air quality is poor?
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos weighs in on the risks of exercising when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is too high. He states that when AQI levels exceed 150, aerobic outdoor exercise is risky, and will often be accompanied by respiratory symptoms.
The scientific case against gas stoves
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National Geographic writes about the harms of gas stoves, NO2, and why many people are switching to electric stovetops. Dr. Paulin and BREATHE Center investigators studied gas stoves and nitrogen dioxide exposure, where changing a participant's stove from gas to electric had the most impact on NO2 levels in their home.
BCPS News - Lung Health Ambassador Program
Our Lung Health Ambassador Program (LHAP) was featured on BCPS-TV.
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos discusses the benefits of the program and children who have been visited by LHAP in their classroom describe their takeaways from the lessons.
Hairdressers of Color Exposed to 'Concerning' Mix of Unknown Chemicals
Dr. Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá discusses her new study, which found that hairdressers of color have higher levels of chemicals in their bodies compared to women of color who work office jobs. Some of these chemicals were expected, based on the products that hairdressers use, but many were unexpected and unidentified.
Why updating particulate matter standards is critical to protecting health
Dr. Meredith McCormack and Sophia Kianni are the authors of this article on particulate matter legislation. They are calling on the EPA to update their National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to reflect the current science. Under the current NAAQS scale, air that is being deemed "healthy" may not actually be safe to breathe, especially for children, pregnant people, those with respiratory diseases, etc.
Doctors warn residents about the dangers of radon gas
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos speaks about the impact of Radon gas on human health. The risk of high Radon levels in homes is increased in the winter. Learn how to test your home and keep yourself safe.
Household Air Cleaners Improve Heart Health Among Individuals with COPD, Researchers Find
Sarath Raju, MD MPH and Meredith McCormack, MD MPH report on the CLEAN AIR study. Their research explored the relationship between COPD, indoor air pollution, and portable air purifiers in the home.
Medicine for the Greater Good Interns Measure Baltimore’s Blood Pressure
Medicine for the Greater Good (MGG) is a program that strives to connect health care professionals with the Baltimore community. During a community outreach event for medical students, MGG interns were able to diagnose a Baltimore resident, ensure that he received treatment, and escorted him home.
Johns Hopkins doctors inspire future generations with school lessons
When Dr. Galiatsatos entered a Baltimore City classroom to teach about health, he hoped to instill a love of science in the children and also inspired a teacher to pursue her dream of attending medical school. Read more here.
Inaccurate pulse oximeter measurements delayed COVID treatment for people of color
Ayesha Rascoe from NPR speaks to Dr. Ashraf Fawzy about a study that shows how inaccurate measurements by pulse oximeters lead to delays in COVID treatment for people of color.
Read or listen to the interview here.
How Wildfires Impact Our Health, As Well As The Environment
Dr. Meredith McCormack explains that wildfires create intense air pollution made up of particulate matter, air toxins, carbon monoxide, and other harmful substances. People at risk of experiencing the most harmful effects of the wildfire pollution include those with preexisting pulmonary and cardiovascular illnesses, and pregnant people. Dr. McCormack urges summer travelers to "listen to public health authorities" to avoid areas with the greatest risk, protect yourself, and come up with a plan in the event of a wildfire.
Saharan dust cloud over the Atlantic may reach Gulf Coast by weekend
Dr. Meredith McCormack weighs in on how a dust cloud from Africa's Sahara Desert may impact the health of those who are living in its path. If the cloud of dust reaches land, the fine particles that it brings with it could irritate people's eyes, noses, and throats, or even increase the chances of asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups. Some weather monitoring services predict that the dust cloud will reach the Gulf Coast, others are showing that the cloud will bypass most of the United States altogether.
Image: AccuWeather predicted path of Saharan dust cloud
Growing evidence links air pollution exposure and covid-19 risks
Air pollution exposure may now be added to the list of covid-19 risk factors alongside older age, obesity, and immunocompromised status. Dr. Meredith McCormack notes that exposure to air pollution may lead to a more severe viral response by increasing oxidative stress, impairing your immune response, or possibly allowing the virus to travel farther into the body's cells.
Better ventilation in schools could reduce covid risks and boost learning. Why aren’t we doing it?
“When we can improve indoor air quality in schools, we’re improving it for a community of children.” Dr. Meredith McCormack comments on how properly filtering air in schools can improve children's health and academic success. The air quality in schools, where children spend a large portion of their day, can have either a positive or negative influence on their lung development and risk for asthma attacks.
Menu for Easier Breathing
Dr. Hansel is embarking on a new research study to learn if there is a link between diet and pulmonary disease symptoms, like COPD. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be the key to alleviating disease flare-ups, but these foods may be harder to come by for those living in Baltimore City, where the new study is taking place.
The smog covering Beijing, China, may prove to be detrimental to Olympians
Dr. Meredith McCormack weighs in on how the smog and pollution covering Beijing, China, may impact the performance and lung health of athletes competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Those who will perform at high altitudes or who have pre-existing conditions, like asthma, may be especially at risk.
Image by Thomas Peter/Reuters
How to Combat Urban Heat Islands
Doctors Meredith McCormack and Darryn Waugh are leading a pilot project in Baltimore to calculate dangerously hot areas across the city in the summer months. They hope this heat map will lead to environmental innovations that will help alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary disorders that are often triggered by the heat and humidity.
LUNG HEALTH & COVID-19
COVID-19 Symptoms To Watch Out For
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common include fever, a dry cough or shortness of breath, which can seem liked seasonal allergies. Extreme symptoms can include lung damage, the development of rashes and swelling or even develop psychosis and suicidal thoughts.
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
Get all the information from medical experts on the COVID-19 vaccine to help you decide if you are ready or not to get the vaccine. If you have decided you want the vaccine but don't know how to secure one, click here.
Will Masks Become the "New Normal"?
Everything You Need to Know To Prep For Your Vaccine Appointment
Breathing Polluted Air May Put You At Greater Risk of Contracting the Coronavirus
Breathing Polluted Air May Put You At Greater Risk of Contracting the Coronavirus
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Breathing Polluted Air May Put You At Greater Risk of Contracting the Coronavirus
Dr. Meredith McCormack explains how increased pollution increases susceptibility to infection in the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times
How to Dispose of Face Masks and Gloves—Properly
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Is It Safe To Fly In Fall 2020? Experts Explain Why You Might Want To Rethink Your Plans
Kirsten Koehler, Ph.D provides tips on how to fly safely during the COVID-19 pandemic in an Elite Daily article.
Physician leads program to teach young people about COVID-19
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
Pulse oximeters have been very popular to use for COVID-19 patients because they're a painless way to measure blood oxygen levels, however, Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos explains how they may give inaccurate readings to people of color due to darker skin pigment absorbing more light than lighter skin pigment.
Smoking, Vaping, and COVID-19
Pulse oximeters, used to fight COVID-19, may be inaccurate on people of color
These Athletes Had the Coronavirus. Will They Ever Be the Same?
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos advises individuals to try to quit smoking and/or vaping now as it could make their lungs more susceptible to COVID-19, with more severe symptoms. Dr. Galiatsatos also reported in an INSIDER interview, that individuals who smoke marijuana regularly are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms due to lung cell death caused by inhaled marijuana smoke.
These Athletes Had the Coronavirus. Will They Ever Be the Same?
Bioethicists worry the rich and powerful will get special access to experimental Covid treatments
These Athletes Had the Coronavirus. Will They Ever Be the Same?
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos discusses the possible long-term consequences for athletes who contract COVID-19 in this New York Times article
Bioethicists worry the rich and powerful will get special access to experimental Covid treatments
Bioethicists worry the rich and powerful will get special access to experimental Covid treatments
Bioethicists worry the rich and powerful will get special access to experimental Covid treatments
On Oct. 2 2020, President Trump confirmed he had COVID-19. While in the hospital President Trump received a cocktail of drugs, including some experimental. Bioethicists worry about the consequences of allowing the powerful and wealthy to recieve experimental treatment when thousands are still dying from the infection.
Diet
Dr. Emily Brigham, who is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHU SOM), explained to the New York Times that is is possible that different fats can affect childhood asthma symptoms differently. For example, in her study, Dr. Brigham found that while omega-3 fatty acids in foods may reduce symptoms of childhood asthma, omega-6 fats may actually aggravate them
Tobacco
Schools, hospital see rise in teens vaping
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos talks with 2 ABC WMAR Baltimore and USA Today about the misinformation and increased use of vaping in schools
Johns Hopkins professor: Vital step to stop youth-vaping epidemic
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos join CNBC’s “Closing Bell” to discuss the Trump administration’s crackdown on flavored e-cigarette products.
As Vaping Devices Have Evolved, So Have Potential Hazards, Researchers Say
Dr. Ana Rule, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health share her research into the health effects of vaping NPR. The CDC has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette or vaping-related acute lung injuries, but Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos believes there are several more toxins in vaping products, espically those containg THC, that are yet to be identified that are disrupting not only a person's lung cell but also their immune cells.
Techniques To Help You Stop Smoking
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos explains how he uses Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help his patients quit smoking and the potential benefit of using apps to help individuals quit smoking.
“Social Smoking” Isn’t Better Than Smoking-Smoking
Even for people who rarely smoke rarely, studies say that incremental lung and heart damage can escalate over time. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos explains that even people who only smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes at social occasions aren't immune to the health dangers of smoking, particularly when it comes to lung and cardiovascular health.
Asthma
Shared Decision Making for Better Asthma Control
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
In a Pulmonary Advisor article, Dr. Meredith McCormack explains why shared decision-making between providers and patients can improve disease control, lung function, treatment adherence, and quality of life
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
Dr. Meredith McCormack shares with Smart Cities Drive that living next to major highways can increase an individual's chance for developing asthma.
Wildfire Smoke Can Send Kids With Asthma to the ER
Transition to EVs could save $72B in health costs: American Lung Association
Higher BPA levels linked to more asthma symptoms in children
Dr. Meredith McCormack provides insight in a HealthDay article on how wildfire pollution can affect the health of children's respiratory systems even into adulthood.
Higher BPA levels linked to more asthma symptoms in children
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
Higher BPA levels linked to more asthma symptoms in children
A Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health study found a relationship between levels of the synthetic chemical BPA (Bisphenol A) in urine and asthma symptoms in children from low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
In a Washington Post article, Dr. Elizabeth Matsui and Dr. Meredith McCormack comment on how allergens found at school can be affecting children with asthma.
Vitamin D may protect against pollution-associated asthma symptoms in obese children
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
The disturbing airborne allergen in schools that may be exacerbating your kid’s asthma
A new study out of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine finds vitamin D may be protective among obese children with asthma living in urban environments with high indoor air pollution.
COPD
As the thermostat goes up, COPD symptoms may worsen
Results from a longitudinal study measuring daily COPD symptoms during the hottest time of the year in Baltimore found that higher indoor temperatures worsen COPD symptoms. In addition, the reserach team noted that individuals living in houses with higher air pollutants also had worst COPD symptoms
Exposure to ozone pollution or wood smoke exacerbates lung disease in former and current smokers
Exposure to wood smoke and other pollutants in the ozone found in most urban and some rural communities can play a role in an individual's health. News Medical goes over two studies led by Johns Hopkins University researchers that describe the impact of pollution on lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the U.S.
Unusual lung structures may raise risk of pulmonary disease
Dr. Nadia Hansel recently contributed to a new study conducted at the McGill University in determining a relationship between internal lung anatomy and increased risk of developing COPD
Lung Disease May Evade Diagnosis in Half of Heavy Smokers, Ex-Smokers
Dr. Nadia Hansel participated in a UCSF led, multisite study looking to see if the current diagnostic criteria for COPD were accurate or not.
