[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Asthma T-Hero Section” module_class=”hero tert” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg” background_position=”top_right” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” global_module=”2247″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” background_horizontal_offset=”0%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nav Parent Title” module_class=”tert-parent” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Breadcrumbs” module_class=”bcrumb” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-size:16px;||color: #fff;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Main Content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2%||2%||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Page Title” module_class=”tert-content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#008c99″ title_font_size=”39px” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”center_left” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=” Intro Content” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Air pollution can cause asthma and other lung diseases. It also worsens asthma symptoms, leads to increased hospital visits, and can cause early death.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Is Air Pollution?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Air pollution is contamination of the air with substances that harm human health or the environment. The pollution may be gases, chemicals, or small particles in the air.<\/p>\n
Air pollution can increase your risk of getting asthma or can worsen your symptoms if you already have asthma.<\/p>\n
Airborne Particles<\/strong><\/p>\n Small airborne particles, found in haze, smoke, soot, and airborne dust can lead to serious air quality problems.<\/p>\n Small airborne particles are called \u201cparticulate matter\u201d or PM. The smallest particles (PM2.5<\/sub>) are the most dangerous. They can get deep into the lungs or even your blood.<\/p>\n People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. They can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.1<\/sup><\/p>\n Ozone (O3<\/sub>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Ozone, a gas, is one of the most common air pollutants. Ozone is helpful in the upper atmosphere but causes problems when it is found closer to the ground in the air we breathe. Ground-level ozone is part of \u201csmog\u201d or haze. It is most common in cities where there are more cars and use of fossil fuels. It is also more common in the summer when there is more sunlight, heat, and low winds. Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between emissions of burning fuel emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOC), heat, and sunlight. It is associated with worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ozone triggers asthma because it is very irritating to the lungs and airways.<\/p>\n Nitrogen dioxide (NO2<\/sub>), Sulfur dioxide (SO2<\/sub>), Carbon monoxide (CO), Methane (CH4<\/sub>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Other gases can also affect your health and environment.<\/p>\n Nitrogen dioxide (NO2<\/sub>)<\/strong> comes from burning fuels. It also forms from emissions from cars, trucks, other vehicles, and power plants. It is part of smog (haze). Breathing in NO2 can cause someone to develop asthma. It can worsen lung disease, especially asthma.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Sulfur dioxide (SO2<\/sub>)<\/strong> comes from burning fossil fuels, transportation, volcanoes, and industrial processes. It can be found in smog or haze. SO2 can harm plants (including trees). It can harm your lungs and lead to health problems.4<\/sup><\/p>\n Carbon monoxide (CO)<\/strong> forms from incomplete combustion of fuels and wood. It has no smell. It can be very dangerous when it builds up inside buildings, homes, and cars.<\/p>\n Methane (CH4<\/sub>)<\/strong> is another gas that is part of air pollution. It mostly comes from animal agriculture and in subarctic regions where it is released from melting permafrost. Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and waste (food, landfills, wastewater) also add methane to the air. Methane is 30 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) as a major greenhouse gas that is worsening the climate crisis. Methane can turn into ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health.5<\/sup><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tan Callout Box” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines air pollution as \u201cany visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the natural composition of air.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – How Does Air Pollution Affect Asthma and Health?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Small particles and gases in the air can pass through your nose or mouth and get into your lungs and blood. Both long-term and short-term exposure to air pollution can cause many health problems.<\/p>\n Breathing in air pollution can cause:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Who Is Most at Risk From Air Pollution?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At high levels, air pollution can be harmful to everyone. But even lower levels of air pollution can harm health.<\/p>\n The groups most at risk from harmful effects of air pollution include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”19892,19898,19897,19895,19899,19893,19894,19891,19890,19896″ posts_number=”2″ show_title_and_caption=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Air Pollution Images Gallery” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” caption_font=”||||||||” module_alignment=”center” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Air Pollution Slider” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/know-your-air-01-SM.jpg” admin_title=”How much do you know about air pollution?” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Test your knowledge about air pollution.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sources-of-outdoor-pollution-02-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Sources of outdoor air pollution” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Outdoor air pollution comes from manmade and natural sources.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sources-of-indoor-pollution-03-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Sources of indoor air pollution” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Indoor air pollution can come from various sources, such as allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pollution-makes-asthma-worse-04-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Air pollution makes asthma worse” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Air pollution can have a significant impact on your lungs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/what-is-particulate-matter-05.jpg” admin_title=”What is particulate matter?” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n When you breathe in small particles in polluted air, it can irritate your lungs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/PM25-is-most-dangerous-06-SM.jpg” admin_title=”PM2.5 is most dangerous small particle” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. They can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pollution-can-affect-anyone-07-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Air pollution can affect anyone” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Anyone can feel the effects of air pollution, but people with asthma are at a greater risk.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/check-air-quality-index-08-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Air quality index” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Many local weather forecasts warn the public about high air pollution days.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/air-quality-index-for-asthma-09-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Air quality index chart” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n On days where air quality is 101 (orange) or higher, plan activities indoors, if possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/protect-yourself-with-healthier-home-checklist-10-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Healthier Home Checklist” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dfdfdf” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Small changes to your home such as removing or reducing allergens, preventing mold growth, avoiding scented products, and more can have a big impact on your health.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – How Do I Know If My Area Has Air Pollution?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The EPA reports air pollution levels using the Air Quality Index (AQI). AQI reports on ozone, particle pollution, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.<\/p>\n When the AQI is 101 or higher, it is unhealthy for people with asthma. You may have to change your activities and medicines. If you have asthma, your symptoms can worsen even when AQI levels are moderate (AQI 51-100).<\/p>\n Many local weather forecasts warn the public about high air pollution days. You can find this information anytime at AirNow.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n When air pollution is high, people with asthma should limit their time outdoors, especially from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stay in a well-ventilated, preferably air-conditioned, building. Most of all, do not exercise or work hard outdoors when the AQI is at unhealthy levels.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Should I Be Concerned About Air Pollution in My Home?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yes. Your home might even be a \u201chigh priority public health risk.\u201d This is probably where you are exposed to most allergens and irritants.<\/p>\n Home is where you cook, eat, sleep, bathe, groom, relax, and play with pets. Indoor air pollution can pose a health risk. Your home may have small particles in the air or damaging gases such as carbon monoxide.<\/p>\n Sources of indoor air pollution include:<\/strong><\/p>\n To reduce your home\u2019s indoor air pollution:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Should I Worry About Air Pollution in My Work Environment?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yes, but your concern should be appropriate to the type of environment you work in. If you work outdoors, or if you work with certain chemicals, sprayed substances, powders or known carcinogens or allergens, your risk may be high. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires your employer to reduce your risk.<\/p>\n Even if you work in what seems to be a chemical-free environment, you may have exposure to indoor or outdoor air pollution. No matter how old the building is, there may be hidden indoor air pollution. Buildings may have\u00a0mold spores<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0cockroaches<\/a>. These are both powerful allergens. Dust mites are in most indoor areas. New carpet may release toxic fumes. Poorly filtered air systems may spread allergens and irritants. If they are damp, they may actually breed mold spores. If your employer allows\u00a0tobacco smoking<\/a>\u00a0in the building, smoke may pollute the air you breathe.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Medical Review” module_class=”med-rev clearfix” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Medical Review<\/a>: April 2024 by Miriam Anand, MD, and Jeffrey G. Demain, MD<\/small><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” admin_label=”Accordion – References” module_id=”references” module_class=”accord pa-accordion” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {|| color: #008c99;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 500;||}” border_width_all=”0px” global_module=”8665″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”References” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
How Does Air Pollution Affect Asthma and Health?<\/h3>\n
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Who Is Most at Risk from Air Pollution?<\/h3>\n
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How Do I Know If My Area Has Air Pollution?<\/h3>\n
Should I Be Concerned About Air Pollution in My Home?<\/h3>\n
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Should I Worry About Air Pollution in My Work Environment?<\/h3>\n
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