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Survey results are published in the October issue of the

鈥淭he response from international physicians underscores that of American respondents who noted the impact of illness severity related to increases in pollution, specifically , and cardiovascular disease,鈥� said John Balmes, MD, past Chair of the ATS Environmental Health Policy Committee and one of the study authors.

Respondents further noted the following as the most common health effects of climate change among their patients:鈥� Severity of chronic disease 鈥� 88 percent鈥� Increased allergic symptoms 鈥� 72 percent鈥� Heat-related effects 鈥� 70 percent鈥� Injuries due to severe weather 鈥� 69 percent鈥� Vector-borne infections 鈥� 59 percent鈥� Diarrhea from food/water-borne illnesses 鈥� 55 percent

The survey, which was conducted by the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University, polled 5,013 international members. The survey had a response rate of 9.8 percent and respondents represented 68 countries.

The survey results come on the heels of the DC District Court of Appeals鈥� hearing of oral arguments related to the US Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 on September 27. ATS and several physician organizations jointly filed an with the court arguing that climate change has negative consequences for patients鈥� health.

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is a medical professional organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, research and cure of pulmonary disease, critical care illness and sleep-disordered breathing. Our 15,000 physician, researcher, nurse, respiratory therapist and other allied health professional members pursue our mission through research, education, clinical care and advocacy.

Because of the well-established links between exposures to air pollution and respiratory health, the ATS plays an active role in advocating for National Ambient Air Quality standards that protect the public health from