Lisa Patel is a pediatrician and an expert in environmental health who says that pollution is taking an increasing toll on children’s health. Pollution from wildfires, fossil fuels, and plastics can cause asthma, pneumonia, and risks dementia in the long-term. But, she says, all hope is not lost. Solutions range from DIY air filters to choosing induction stoves over gas, cutting down on meat consumption and plastics use, and pursuing clean energy, among other strategies. If we all take local action, we can solve this problem globally, Patel tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Lisa Patel, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.
(00:03:39) Climate Advocacy Journey
The personal events that drove Lisa’s focus to environmental health.
(00:04:53) Fossil Fuels and Clean Air Act
How fossil fuels and weakened regulations harm public health.
(00:07:20 Long-Term Health Impacts
Links between pollution to asthma, cancer, and early Alzheimer’s.
(00:10:12) Air Quality Guidance for Families
Advising parents on air quality monitoring and precautions.
(00:13:04) Indoor Cooking and Gas Pollution
How pollution from gas stoves impacts indoor air quality.
(00:14:37) Lead in Water and Health Risks
Current issues with lead exposure in water for children.
(00:16:24) Microplastics and Early Health Damage
Evidence showing widespread microplastics are harmful to health.
(00:19:12) Clean Energy Progress and Setbacks
Benefits of renewable energy and dangers of policy rollback.
(00:21:22) Active Transport and Better Air
The environmental impact of increasing public transit.
(00:22:44) Benefits of Electric Vehicles
How electric vehicles are linked to cleaner air and healthier kids.
(00:23:51) Plant-Forward Diets for Health
Whether plant-forward diets aid personal and planetary health.
(00:25:33) Kids Leading Dietary Changes
Children’s reactions and adaptations to plant-forward diets.
(00:28:12) Taking Local Action
The local actions that can offer real solutions for change.
(00:31:01) Conclusion
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