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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
by Nancy Meredith
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies have named next year “2010: The Year of the Lung.” The goal of the initiative is to “raise awareness about the importance of lung health, generate social and political support for preventing and treating lung disease, and increase public and private funding for lung research.”
According to ATS hundreds of millions of people suffer from lung disease, but the impact of the disease is unrecognized throughout the world. This global campaign is recognized by 160 nations that ratified the first-ever international public health treaty.
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) made the declaration during the 40th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cancun, Mexico on December 6, 2009. FIRS acknowledged that lung health has long been neglected in public discourse and that there is a need to unify different health advocates behind one purpose, thus declaring 2010: The Year of the Lung.
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) published “Climate change and respiratory disease” identifying the potential for an increase in respiratory diseases due to increased temperatures, higher concentrations of pollution and ozone, as well as higher levels of pollen due to longer seasons. The report, offered to raise awareness for the public of lung disease, also identifies the important role respiratory doctors have in combating major public health concerns like air pollution and occupational health hazards, such as asbestos.
Asbestos is responsible for lung diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. In the United States, September 26th has been established as “Mesothelioma Awareness Day” by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Senator Patty Murray (WA) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) introduced resolutions in Congress designating September 26th as “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.”
The organizers have set aside lung recognition dates throughout the year including days for World Cancer Day, World Asthma Day, Cancer Survivor Day as well as Lung Health Day on October 27th. In addition, the organizers are offering suggestions for public events. Currently, October 14, 2010 is designated as World Spirometry Day to encourage hospitals to offer free lung tests to the general population. See the full list of awareness days and events scheduled.
The public is invited to review the information on the ATS website for education on lung diseases including cancer, TB, and pneumonia, guidelines for assessing lung health as well as information relating to occupational health related to asbestos.
Continue to check the 2010: Year of the Lung website for updated information.
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Labels: Featured Story
posted by Nancy Meredith at 8:00 AM
