1964 The landmark Surgeon General's Report announced, "Cigarette smoking... is the single most avoidable cause of disease in our society and the most important public health issue of our time.
As only the second of its kind in the nation, the plan outlines a state strategy to educate the public and better treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The survey gathers critical information about COPD in Illinois, and it provides lawmakers, researchers and public health professionals a more accurate portrayal of the disease, its impacts and how to address it.
2010 In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presents Respiratory Health Association with a leadership award for ongoing efforts to clean up diesel exhaust.
2010 Metra conducts testing and finds high levels of lung- and heart-damaging diesel soot inside its stainless-steel cars.
They take action to reduce the pollution in response to a 2010 investigative piece by Chicago Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne and RHAMC about poor air quality inside Metra trains and stations.
RHAMC President and CEO Joel Africk participated in a press conference with Senator Richard J. Durbin urging Metra, U.S. EPA and OSHA to look into the matter.
2012 In February, Midwest Generation announces plans to close its two coal-fired power plants on Chicago's Southwest Side.