Thank you for the online story on the National Resources Defense Council report, “Sneezing and Wheezing” (Nurse.com/Article/Smog-Ragweed). As we see more patients who suffer from allergy symptoms and asthma, it’s crucial that we understand the scientific evidence showing the link between climate change and increased ragweed prevalence and ozone smog. As patient advocates, it’s our responsibility to support efforts to clean up the air we breathe and mitigate the negative health effects of climate change.

This summer, the EPA is finalizing the Clean Power Plan, which will establish limits on carbon pollution from power plants, a major step forward to reduce emissions that contribute to ground level ozone and smog. Please ask your state policymakers for their support, and learn more about how you can take action from the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments at Envirn.org.

— Donna Novak, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC
Bethlehem, Pa.