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Statement Of Toni Miles
Environmental Protection Agency
Aging Initiative Public Listening Session
San Antonio, Texas
April 8, 2003
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
At-Large-Member of the Executive Committee
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
I am pleased to see this gathering today. I have been doing research in aging and the development of frailty for almost 20 years. I will be very excited to hear what you have to say. One of the things I have learned about the development of frailty is that pulmonary function, lung function, and the ability to breathe is a critical component. As individuals age, there is a loss of the surface that you have to exchange gas. Environmental issues matter since once you lose those pieces of your lungs that move oxygen into your bloodstream, they are gone. You cannot get that capacity back. It is a very important issue that you will be talking about and giving us information on. I am very happy to be here and look forward to hearing your comments. Thank you.