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Outdoor Air Pollution
Indoor Environmental Asthma Triggers
Get more information about Ozone Maps, Air Quality Forecasts, Ozone Action Days and more.
Small particles and ozone come from things like exhaust from cars and factories, smoke and road dust. When inhaled, outdoor pollutants can aggravate the lungs, and can lead to chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Outdoor air pollution may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma. On days when ozone air pollution is highest, ozone has been associated with 10-20% of all respiratory hospital visits and admissions.
Watch for the Air Quality Index, or AQI, during your local weather report. The AQI is a tool that offers you clear information every day on whether air quality in your area could be a health risk. The AQI uses colors to show how much pollution is in the air. Green and yellow mean air pollution levels are low. Orange, red or purple mean pollution is at levels that may make asthma worse.
State agencies will use television and radio to notify citizens of ozone alerts. On days when your State or local air pollution control agency calls an Ozone Action Day, people with asthma should limit prolonged physical activity outdoors. Consider adjusting outdoor activities to early in the morning or later in the evening.
Also, on Ozone Action Days, you can do the following 10 things to help keep ozone formation to a minimum:
- Instead of driving, share a ride, walk or bike.
- Take public transportation.
- If you must drive, avoid excessive idling and jackrabbit starts.
- Don't refuel your car or only do so after 7 p.m.
- Avoid using outboard motors, off-road vehicles or other gasoline powered recreational vehicles.
- Defer mowing your lawn until late evening or the next day. Also avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment.
- Postpone chores that use oil-based paints, solvents or varnishes that produce fumes.
- If you are barbecuing, use an electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid.
- Limit or postpone your household chores that will involve the use of consumer products.
- Conserve energy in your home to reduce energy needs
Get more information about ozone maps, air quality forecasts and ozone action days from EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.