Local physician warns supervisors about respiratory risks near proposed plant

Dr. Ross Bridal, a resident physician practicing in the Quad Cities, told the board he researched literature on health impacts of nearby fuel‑fired plants and urged supervisors to prioritize community health when considering zoning changes. "Scott County already has significant rates of asthma ... 10.5 percent of all citizens in our county," Bridal said, and added that COPD affects roughly "3.3 percent" of residents, quantities he translated into local population estimates.