Science on Tap Lecture 

Air Pollution and Health

by Dr. James Crooks

Jack Quinn's Pub

21 S. Tejon (upstairs)

Monday, April 8, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Join Cool Science for Science on Tap every 2nd Monday of the month at Jack Quinn’s in downtown Colorado Springs.  Presenters begin at 6:30 pm with food and drink available beginning at 6:00 pm.  A wide variety of fascinating topics are presented by local scientists for informal discussion, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages anyone and everyone to come explore the latest ideas in science and technology.  From practical to theoretical, the presentations and group interactions provide a fun and interesting way to gain an understanding of the world around us.

In this talk Dr. Crooks will describe how air pollution from burning fossil fuels affects your health, focusing on three kinds of effects: First, how gas leaks from fracking wells, transmission lines, and petrochemical processing contribute to smog, which causes breathing problems in people with asthma or COPD; Second, how tiny airborne particles from coal burning and diesel engines causes heart attacks and strokes and can contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia; Third, how fossil fuel burning releases greenhouse gases trap heat and increase the risk of “natural” air pollution like wildfire smoke.  Dr. Crooks will wrap up with a discussion of how these issues relate to the Drake Power Plant decommissioning.

​Dr. James Crooks is an environmental epidemiologist and statistician at National Jewish Health, a respiratory research hospital in Denver, and at the Colorado School of Public Health.  Prior to moving to Denver in 2015 he worked for seven years as a scientist in the U.S. EPA.  His research addresses health effects of air pollution with a focus on climate-sensitive extreme events such as wildfires and dust storms.  He co-directs the Program on Environmental Epigenetics at National Jewish Health and leads the Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution working group at the Colorado Consortium for Climate Change and Health.

Note by Gary:

This is a fairly good science lecture series.  The beer and drinks are nice. Food is basic bar food. Turn left just inside the doorway (dodge the hostess) and go up the stairs. The talk is in the back area. Grab a table if you get there early, or seek an invite to an empty chair at a table. Here is a quote from one of the host groups . "We're excited to be partnering with Science on Tap to bring Dr. James Crooks to Colorado Springs to talk about the impacts of fossil fuels on our community's health. Dr. Crooks is an environmental epidemiologist and statistician at National Jewish Health, a respiratory research hospital in Denver, and at the Colorado School of Public Health.." The talk is at 21 S. Tejon Street, Jack Quinns Irish Pub April 8th , 6 - 8 pm.