How climate change impacts 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.
- Hotter weather, with more days over 90 degrees
- Increased ground level ozone/smog
- Increased exposure to allergens (like pollen)
- Increased impacts from wildfire smoke, even far away from the actual fires
Learn more about climate change impacts on air quality:
- EPA, https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-air-quality
- US Climate & Health Assessment, https://health2016.globalchange.gov/air-quality-impacts
Extreme heat and air quality
Extreme heat, or the number of days over 90 degrees, is increasing steadily in Massachusetts. These incidents are leading to poor air quality and health impacts, including increasing visits to the emergency room.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats due to excessive heat exposure. Symptoms include:
- Cool, pale clammy skin
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid, weak puse
- Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, etc
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe health condition where the body’s temperature regulation fails.
Symptoms include:
- Dry skin/no sweating
- Body temperature above 103 degrees F.
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Nausea, vomiting, etc.
- If you have these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and/or go to the emergency room.
Learn more about extreme heat impacts:
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-heat-and-poor-air-quality
9 Tips for staying safe in the heat
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Take breaks inside or in a shaded area.
- Spray water mist, wear a wet t-shirt or have a cold shower.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Know the risks of extreme heat exposure.
- Check on people without air conditioning and/or who spend a lot of time alone.
- Visit a cooling center.
- Don’t leave kids or pets in car.
Last modified: November 26, 2024
