Lisa Patel is a pediatrician and an expert in environmental health who says that pollution is taking an increasing toll on children’s health. Pollution from wildfires, fossil fuels, and plastics can cause asthma, pneumonia, and even dementia in children. But, she says, all hope is not lost. Solutions range from DIY air filters to choosing induction stoves over gas, cutting down on meat consumption and plastics use, and pursuing clean energy, among other strategies. If we all take local action, we can solve this problem globally, Patel tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Lisa Patel

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Lisa Patel, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.

(00:03:39) Climate Advocacy Journey

The personal events that drove Lisa’s focus to environmental health.

(00:04:53) Fossil Fuels and Clean Air Act

How fossil fuels and weakened regulations harm public health.

(00:07:20 Long-Term Health Impacts

Links between pollution to asthma, cancer, and early Alzheimer’s.

(00:10:12) Air Quality Guidance for Families

Advising parents on air quality monitoring and precautions.

(00:13:04) Indoor Cooking and Gas Pollution

How pollution from gas stoves impacts indoor air quality.

(00:14:37) Lead in Water and Health Risks

Current issues with lead exposure in water for children.

(00:16:24) Microplastics and Early Health Damage

Evidence showing widespread microplastics are harmful to health.

(00:19:12) Clean Energy Progress and Setbacks

Benefits of renewable energy and dangers of policy rollback.

(00:21:22) Active Transport and Better Air

The environmental impact of increasing public transit.

(00:22:44) Benefits of Electric Vehicles

How electric vehicles are linked to cleaner air and healthier kids.

(00:23:51) Plant-Forward Diets for Health

Whether plant-forward diets aid personal and planetary health.

(00:25:33) Kids Leading Dietary Changes

Children’s reactions and adaptations to plant-forward diets.

(00:28:12) Taking Local Action

The local actions that can offer real solutions for change.

(00:31:01) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

The future of children’s health

The Future of Everything