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Air Quality 🏭

What is Particulate Matter?

Particulate Matter (PM) is the dust and tiny particles in the air. Some are big enough to see, such as dirt, dust, and smoke; others are so tiny that you'd need a powerful microscope to spot them.

Where does particulate matter come from?

Particulate matter can come from fires, construction sites, unpaved roads, motor vehicles, etc. Other particles are formed through chemical reactions in the air that turn gases into tiny particles.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

  • Scientists are still learning new things about how poor air can affect our health

  • Breathing dirty or polluted air for just a short time can:

    • Make it harder to breathe

    • Lead to asthma attacks

    • Cause heart problems

    • Make people need emergency medical help

  • Breathing dirty or polluted air for many years can lead to serious health problems such as:

    • Heart disease

    • Lung disease

    • Cancer

At-Risk Populations

Some communities and populations will feel the effects of air pollution more intensely than others. Below are some examples of groups at greater risk.

Poor air quality can significantly worsen health for people with:

  • Respiratory Conditions: Poor air quality can cause swelling in your lungs, making you cough more, wheeze, and have trouble breathing. You might also get sick more easily.

  • Cardiovascular Issues: Air pollution puts extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. This can lead to dangerous problems like heart attacks or strokes, especially for people who already have heart issues.

  • Other Health Impacts: Poor air quality can make life harder for people with diabetes by making it harder for their bodies to use insulin. It can also weaken your body's ability to fight off infections, making people with ongoing health problems more likely to get sick.

People with Existing Medical Conditions

Solutions to Improving Air Quality

Understand the Air Quality Index (AQI)

  • The AQI is like a report card for how clean or dirty the outdoor air is

  • The government uses it to tell us if the air is safe to breathe

  • A higher number means the air is dirtier and worse for your health

  • You can check today's air quality at AirNow.gov to help plan your day

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Credit: AirNow.gov

Transportation

  • Find alternative transportation to driving when possible, such as carpooling, bicycling, walking, or using public transit.

  • Take care of your vehicle by keeping your car in good repair

  • Turn off your car when not in use or while you're waiting somewhere, especially around schools or daycares

  • If you currently use gas-powered lawnmowers and landscaping equipment, consider switching to electric or battery-powered equipment, maintain your existing equipment, and use hand tools for smaller tasks. 

Home Environment

  • Do not burn your garbage and contact your county about trash hauling services

  • Conserve energy in various ways, such as turning off lights when not in use and washing laundry in cold water and line drying

  • Check if your county or state health department has rebates on energy-efficient home appliances and heating systems. 

Workplace

  • Advocate for solutions that reduce energy use in the workplace

  • Turn off office equipment after hours

  • Utilize natural sunlight if possible - open the blinds and turn off the lights

Solutions

Portrait with Respirator

Staying Safe in Poor Air Quality

Individual Actions

  1. Reduce time spent outdoors, as well as the intensity of outdoor activity

  2. If you must go outside, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 because they have better filtration capabilities

  3. Keep windows and doors closed to keep your indoor air healthy. You can also run the air conditioning on the recirculate setting or use a portable HEPA air cleaner.

Advocacy Actions

  1. Support local, state, and federal policies that set new air quality standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  2. Support organizations and politicians that champion improved air quality 

  3. Get involved in local groups advocating for healthy air

Ready to test your knowledge? Take the quiz below!

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