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Northglenn highlights local air-quality measures as expert links pollution to heart, brain risks
Summary
At a City of Northglenn meeting, Mayor Meredith Leidy and city staff described local programs to reduce air pollution while James Crooks of National Jewish Health described short- and long-term health risks linked to air pollution.
At a recent City of Northglenn meeting, Mayor Meredith Leidy said the city is taking steps to reduce air pollution, and James Crooks, an associate professor and scientist at National Jewish Health in Denver, told attendees that air pollution can cause acute heart and brain events and may raise long-term risks for chronic heart and neurological diseases. "We recognize that air quality impacts everyone's quality of life," Leidy said, adding that the city is acting to reduce air pollutants.
A city staff member described local initiatives intended to cut emissions and support cleaner travel: "Our recently installed electric vehicle charging stations at the new City Hall building make it easier for residents to choose cleaner transportation options," the staff member said, and added that the city has held lawn mower exchange events to replace gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives, is investing in cleaner city vehicles, and is maintaining air quality monitoring and community education.
James Crooks summarized evidence from health research for the meeting. "Most importantly, your heart and your brain. We know that short term spikes in air pollution can cause heart attacks and strokes. And, it's becoming increasingly clear that long term exposure to air pollution even at low levels can increase the risk of developing heart disease as well as dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's," Crooks said. He also noted that research commonly focuses on people with lung disease such as asthma or emphysema but that other organ systems are affected as well.
A second city staff member urged individual actions residents can take to reduce emissions: "Simple actions like choosing to walk, bike, or use electric tools, properly maintaining your vehicle, and being mindful of energy use all contribute to cleaner air for our community," the staff member said.
No formal votes or policy adoptions were reported during the remarks. The meeting discussion combined a city presentation of local programs and an expert summary of health risks; next steps or specific policy changes were not specified during the recorded remarks.
