Air Pollution/Mold and the Respiratory System

Problems/Case Studies

"A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed: A Case Study on Human Respiratory Physiology" William H. Cliff, Niagara University, and Ann W. Wright, Canisius College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
This directed case study was designed to help students strengthen their understanding of the transport of oxygen in the blood through an analysis of the pathophysiology of a common, real-world problem — namely, carbon monoxide poisoning.
The case was developed for use by undergraduates majoring in biology, nursing, and education who are enrolled in a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology.


"The 1st New Disease of the 21st Century "
Otto Sanchez, University of Ontario Institute of Technology. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case study uses a PowerPoint-driven approach combined with role-playing to present the epidemiology and pathophysiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Students learn about the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, then argue different health professional perspectives on a plan of action for dealing with its consequences.
Developed for a pathophysiology course for undergraduates, the case could also be used in a microbiology course or in a course in public or international health.


"Zoe Takes a Dive". DE Allen. Thinking Toward Solutions:  Problem-Based Learning Activities for General Biology.  Allen, D. E. and Duch, B. J. (1998).   New YorkSaunders College Publishing, p 94-101.  

        Stage 1:  Zoe is a Weddell seal being studied by a student on a research expedition to Antarctica.  Students analyze the physiological challenges seals face with their up to 50minute dives underwater.  How does the seal overcome fast ascent through water?

        Stage 2:  Students examine data from Zoe’s dive including lactic acid concentration, blood flow velocities, heart rate and blood pressure.  Students must     predict curves on the graphs using previous knowledge. 

        Stage 3:  As the student analyzes the results of the research project, students predict how hemoglobin concentrations differ between seals and humans, other data the student must include, and whether a fetus would have survived Zoe’s prolonged dive


CNN Video Clips


Topic: State of the Air 2002: Environmental Science 6th Ed. CNN Ed (2:06)
According to the State of the Air 2002 report by the American Lung Association, nearly 50% of the U.S. population lives in areas where air pollution levels puts them at risk for major health problems.  In fact, over 142 million Americans live in areas that contain dangerous levels of ozone pollution or smog.  Ozone, or smog pollution as it is commonly known, is a byproduct of automobile exhaust and fossil fueled industries, which emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons.  As these gases mix and react with sunlight, they form a dangerous gas that is harmful to human body tissues, such as the eyes, throat, and lungs.  Individuals most at risk are the elderly, people with lung disease, and children with asthma.  Ozone pollution is normally at its highest concentrations during the months of May through September when higher temperatures and sunlight exposure combine to enhance the effects of smog pollution.  Typically, ozone pollution is concentrated in largely populated cities.  However, in some cases, smaller cities in remote areas have been found to contain high amounts of smog pollution caused by ozone pollution that has drifted away from nearby larger cities with high amounts of ozone pollution.  Of the 678 counties in the U.S. with air pollution monitors, 391 counties received an “F” for ozone pollution (an “F” grade indicates an area has nine or more days per year of unhealthful air, based on the EPA Air Quality Index).  Four cities in California remain at the top of the list as the most polluted areas since 2000.  Los Angeles remains the worst ozone polluted area, followed by Bakersfield, Fresno, and the Visalia area.  The fifth most ozone-polluted area was Houston, Texas, followed by Atlanta, Georgia; Merced, California; Knoxville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Sacramento, California.  Only 56 counties in the U.S. scored an “A” for having no or relatively low amounts of ozone pollution.  The cleanest areas include Bellingham, Washington; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Duluth, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; Flagstaff, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii; Laredo, Texas; Lincoln, Nebraska; McAllen, Texas; Salinas, California; and Spokane, Washington.  Most of the clean air cities are credited with having relatively fewer sources of greenhouse gas polluters, but can also be attributed to the climate and location of the areas.  The worksheet includes the URL for the American Lung Association website.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: Smog Pollution: Environmental Science 7th Ed. CNN Ed (1:40)
Ozone, or smog pollution as it’s commonly known, is a byproduct of automobile exhaust and emissions from fossil fuel industries, both of which release nitrogen oxides (NOX) and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. As these gases mix and react with sunlight, they form a dangerous gas that is harmful to human body tissues, such as the eyes, throat, and lungs. From 1952 to 1953, the city of London, England, experienced severe air pollution levels that caused nearly 4,000 deaths. Because of this significant air pollution, the government created the Clean Air Act to prevent a similar situation from happening in the future. Nearly 50 years later, air pollution is still present in many major cities and causes the premature deaths of nearly 24,000 people each year.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: Air Pollution:
Environmental Science 7th Ed. CNN Ed (2:07)
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost 50% of the U.S. population lives in areas where air pollution levels put them at risk for major health problems. In fact, of the 146 million Americans that live in the U.S., nearly 50,000 individuals go to the hospital every year because of their exposure to air pollution. Overall, pollution levels have decreased over the past 30 years. However, U.S. power consumption has grown by 42%, and the average American drives three times longer than drivers in 1970. Ozone, or smog pollution, is a byproduct of automobile exhaust and emissions from fossil fuel industries. It is harmful to human body tissues, and the side effects of exposure include difficulty breathing, stroke, or heart attack. Individuals most at risk are the elderly, people with lung disease, and children with asthma.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: "Mold Exposure": Biology 8th Ed. CNN Ed 2004 (2:43)
Mold spores can lie dormant for years. They germinate if favorable conditions for growth arise, as when a home is flooded. According to physicians and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold exposure is not a danger for most people. However, it can cause symptoms in people with allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, or weakened immune systems. Among the symptoms of mold exposure are sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, and skin and eye irritations. Mold growth occurs if there is a moisture problem and can be remedied by eliminating the source of moisture. The EPA suggests that a professional be called if there is more than 10 square feet of visible mold. The worksheet includes the URL for the EPA’s web page about mold and indoor air quality.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)


Articles in "Taking Sides"

"Can Pollution Rights Trading Effectively Control Environmental Problems?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Environmental Issues, eleventh edition.
Issue Summary:
"Should Existing Power Plants Be Required to Install State-of-the-Art Pollution Controls?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Environmental Issues, eleventh edition.
Issue Summary: