Poor air quality is a health risk to everyone and is one of the sole issues that unites all Southern Californians, according to experts at City of Hope’s Winter Forum, “Exhausting Your Health: How Air Pollution Affects Us All.”

Val Zavala, vice president for public affairs at KCET, moderated the March 3 event at the Los Angeles Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium. Panelists included Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env., executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, John Peters, M.D., Sc.D., deputy director of the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center at the University of Southern California, and David Freeman, president of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.

United States Rep. Hilda Solis discussed federal strategy on air pollution, emphasizing pollution from ports. She also talked about her legislative efforts to improve air quality and reduce cancer risk associated with air pollution.

Panelists described scientific evidence showing significant chronic health effects from air pollution and urged greater resources to bring about environmental change through tougher regulations for ports, better urban planning, adoption of “green” renewable fuels and stronger public policy mandating improved air quality.

Cosponsors included Community for Clean Ports and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.