American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Oct 2013
An Official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Policy Statement: Disparities in Respiratory Health.
Health disparities, defined as a significant difference in health between populations, are more common for diseases of the respiratory system than for those of other organ systems, because of the environmental influence on breathing and the variation of the environment among different segments of the population. The lowest social groups are up to 14 times more likely to have respiratory diseases than are the highest. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, environmental exposures, and occupational hazards affect the lungs more than other organs, and occur disproportionately in ethnic minorities and those with lower socioeconomic status. Lack of access to quality health care contributes to disparities. ⋯ The ATS and ERS pledge to frame their actions to reduce respiratory health disparities. The vision of the ATS and ERS is that all persons attain better and sustained respiratory health. They call on all their members and other societies to join in this commitment.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Oct 2013
Editorial CommentChanges in Your Breathing Can Change Your Brain.