Carson's Syndrome: A major threat to the public's health in the twenty‐first century

Our environment provides essential support for our health, but is subject to degradation from human activities. This in turn has adverse effects on health. The name ‘Carson's Syndrome’ is proposed to characterize severe non‐accidental planetary abuse. A specific example, overproduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂), is described and illustrated by the concept of a ‘footprint’ for the CO₂ production of an individual or group. Transport is responsible for 40% of CO₂ production in developed countries. A more rational transport policy, with particular encouragement of walking and cycling, would both reduce CO₂ output and benefit our health, especially in reducing cardiovascular disease.

Key Words:

• Cardiovascular
• Carson's
• Climate change
• Environment disease
• Syndrome
• Footprint
• Lifestyle
• Public health
• Transport policy