You are here:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 2018 FEDERAL PHYSICAL ACITIVTY GUIDELINES
Citation:
Cascio, W. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 2018 FEDERAL PHYSICAL ACITIVTY GUIDELINES. Dept of HHS-2018 Physical Activity -Comment, Rockville, MD, March 23, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
Impact: The purpose of the Public Comment from ORD and OAQPS is to raise awareness of the 2018 Physical Activity Committee for the adverse health effects of poor air quality among those at-risk based on established heart and lung disease. Based on increased awareness and knowledge the hope and expectation is that the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines will include a cautionary statement for those at high risk to avoid exercising outdoors when air quality is poor.
Description:
Title: Public Comment on Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Author: Wayne E. Cascio, Director, Environmental Public Health Division, US EPA Abstract: In the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, the effects of air pollution and adverse health effects such as asthma attacks and abnormal heart rhythms is addressed briefly. However, it is stated that “…current evidence indicates that the benefits of being active, even in polluted air, outweigh the risk of being inactive” (Physical Activity Guidelines, 2008, pg 39). While this may be true for the majority of the population, current weight of evidence suggests that for some people, exposure to poor air quality can aggravate heart and lung disease, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality (Kaufman et al. 2016). Although further study is still needed to understand the true impact of air pollutants on these sensitive at-risk populations including, children, women who are pregnant, older persons, as well as those with pre-existing cardiopulmonary conditions, we feel a modification to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines to modify behavior for these at risk populations is warranted.