HOW does AIR QUALITY IMPACTS YOUR HEALTH?
Air Quality
& Health
Poor Air Quality Impacts Health
Air pollution can be a serious risk to health.
The impact of poor air quality on a person’s health depends on the length of exposure, pollution level, and their overall health. Exposure to air pollution can worsen existing health problems like heart and lung diseases. It can also increase the risk of developing chronic illness and cancer.
Health Impacts
Symptoms of exposure: Outdoor air pollution can affect the lungs, heart, throat and eyes. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing, digestive issues, fever, fatigue, sneezing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and watery eyes.
Cardiovascular health impacts: Poor air quality can exacerbate and lead to serious heart problems such as heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary artery disease
Respiratory health impacts: Breathing in polluted air can cause or worsen lung issues including asthma, including more frequent or severe attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and respiratory allergies.
Long Term Risks
Long-term exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of cancers, chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity, Reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders, and can hurt fetal development and limit lung function in childhood.
Learn more about health risks of air pollution
- CDC, About Air Quality
- American Lung Association, Particle Pollution
Vulnerable populations
- Children: Exposure can lead to pneumonia, asthma, and cognitive issues
- Older adults: Increased risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementias.
- Pregnant people: Exposure can lead to low birth weight, stillbirth, and miscarriage
- Individuals with pre-existing conditions: Those with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, or children with asthma are more susceptible.
- People on certain medications: Some medications can make people more vulnerable to respiratory distress.
- People who work outdoors face risk from exposure to air pollution, particularly if their work is strenuous.
- People who have lower incomes or live in neighborhoods near other sources of pollution
Learn more about environmental justice and who is at risk:
- American Lung Association,Who is Most Affected by Outdoor Air Pollution
Pollen & Air Quality
Pollen season is coming earlier and lasting longer, and many people are feeling the impacts. The shift in rainfall patterns, more frost-free days, warmer air temperatures and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere together are causing these changes. Air pollution can also exacerbate the allergic reaction to pollen.
By checking real-time air quality data on HealthyAirNetwork.org, you can stay informed and better manage your exposure on high-risk days. Try these simple strategies to help reduce triggers and breathe easier:
Stay informed
Check pollen counts on HealthyAirNetwork.org regularly. Our site includes pollen and weather data in addition to fine particulate matter.
Reduce time outdoors
Reduce time outdoors if you are sensitive to pollen.
Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out
Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out. Be sure to wash your hands (always a good practice!), change clothes or shower to remove pollen from your skin, hair, or clothes.
Take your allergy and/or asthma medicine as prescribed
Take your allergy and/or asthma medicine as prescribed by your health care provider.
Clean consistently
Dust, vacuum, and wash surfaces often to keep pollen as well as dust, mold, and pet dander at bay.
Filter the air
Use high efficiency filters in your HVAC system or an air purifier. Healthy Air Network has instructions on how to make a DIY air cleaner at home.
Climate Change & Air Quality
How does climate change impact air quality?
Climate change is impacting our communities. We now experience hotter weather, storms with more intensity and less predictability, floods, and longer pollen seasons. Individual impacts add up and lower air quality over time.
- Increased ground level ozone /smog
- Increased exposure to allergens (like pollen)
- Increased impacts from wildfire smoke, even far away from the actual fires
Resources
Precautions to Take When the Air Quality is Poor
*If wildfire smoke is forecast, the Air Now fire and smoke map can predict where smoke is headed
Based on your risk factors, limit time outdoors if possible
Other ways to reduce exposure If you can:
*Plan outdoor activities when the particle or ozone levels are lower.
*Choose locations to exercise that are not near busy roads if possible.
*Choose less strenuous activities such as a walk instead of a run.
Check with your health care provider to make sure you have your correct medication and any guidance they have for you
*If you have asthma, follow your asthma management plan. Check with your health care provider to develop a plan if you don’t have one.
*Get medical help if your symptoms don’t improve.
Wear a mask
Run an air cleaner
*Check out our DIY Air Cleaner Instructions!
Learn more about health tips for poor air quality:
- EPA, Ozone and your health
- EPA, Particle pollution and your health
- CDC, About air quality
- American Lung Association, Ten tips to protect yourself
Guidance for schools
- Check the air quality daily. Follow CDC and AQI guidance on limiting activities.
- Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger attacks. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.
- Even students who do not have asthma could experience these symptoms.
- If symptoms occur, the student might need to take a break, do a less intense activity, stop all activity, go indoors, or use quick-relief medicine as prescribed. If symptoms don’t improve, get medical help.
- CDC, Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools
- MAAP/MDPH, Clearing the Air Toolkit
Actions To Address Poor Air Quality
Reduce your exposure
*Checking the Healthy Air Network to find the air quality and pollen levels will help you take actions like staying indoors or avoiding poor air quality days.
Check out our DIY Air Cleaner Instructions!
Check out our 9 Tips to stay safe in the heat!
Host a sensor
Healthy Air Network
Healthy Air Network
The Healthy Air Network is a collaboration of organizations and community members who work to improve air quality, increase climate resilience, and advocate for environmental justice in Massachusetts. Convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
