Q. How did you become interested in pediatrics, and in turn, in the more specialized fields of Microbiology/Immunology and Toxicology?
A. I had a great rotation in medical school in pediatrics, and was always interested in allergy and immunology fields. While I was an undergraduate, I had a great experience in a lab looking at the effects of certain drugs on immune function — thus my exposure to both immunology and toxicology.
Q. As a medical professional, how concerned are you about the environment in general, and its overall effects on children’s health?
A. The environment has an overarching effect of almost all facets of human health, including for children. Clean air and water, safer and healthier homes, more routine exercise and healthier food choices are important. Societal and governmental decisions will have to decide the balance between essential economic capabilities and the impact of these activities, (industrial, personal transport, etc.) for the public.
Q. As parents and the health care providers within our homes, what can we do to improve our children’s overall health?
A. A number of things. First, do not smoke, and if you are a smoker, try to quit or decrease the amount. Second, have healthier food options at home. Third, encourage physical activity. This does not have to be a “sport” (though these can be good), but walking and moving are all good. Being aware of environmental issues in your community and attending public meetings to voice your views are very important. If you do not let your opinion be known on environmental and economic matters, it will not be considered. Often times, businesses and the public can work together to find solutions that are workable.
Q. What new medicines, treatments or research can you share regarding the treatment of asthma?
A. There is a lot of research on new vaccines to decrease or change the course of allergy. Current vaccines (“allergy shots”) can be very useful, but can be improved upon. Also, new drugs which interact with the immune system are being developed for a number of diseases and may be very useful for people with severe allergy.
Q. Can you please tell me about your role as principal investigator in “Human Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants”?
A. In this role, I direct the UNC side of a research partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to better understand the effect of a number of air pollutants on human health. This includes studies with volunteers exposed to a number of low-level pollutants to see how these impact health. We also test the effect of certain medications on response to pollutants and examine if people with asthma or certain genetic factors have increased risk for pollutant-induced disease.
Q. What misconceptions about asthma exist within the medical community and/or the general public?
A. I think everyone knows that a lot of people have asthma. Many people still do not realize that asthma can be well controlled and that the vast majority of people with asthma can have a high degree of physical activity. Asthma does not have to mean not exercising. Also, there is a lot a person can do to decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Q. Throughout your career, what changes have you found in our environment that affect asthma overall?
A. Air pollution is certainly associated with increased asthma attacks. However, other things, including exposure to indoor allergens, tobacco smoke and indoor wetness, (which may promote indoor allergen levels) are an issue.
Space for Dr. Peden’s speech at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College on August 12 is limited. Thus, registration for the speech is required and is available online at www.centerfortheenvironment.org. Lunch will be provided at 11:30am. Dr. Peden is expected to speak until 1:00pm on “The Health Effects of Ozone and Asthma.”
If you have questions about this event, contact the Center for the Environment at
704.637.4727.