Skip directly to: content | left navigation | search

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

  • About the Program
    The Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Program (APRHB) leads CDC’s fight against environmental-related respiratory illnesses, including asthma, and studies indoor and outdoor air pollution ...more
  • Health Issues
    • Air Quality, Fires, and Volcanic Eruptions
      Smoke from wildfires or burning debris after natural disasters is a mixture of gases and fine particles that can cause breathing difficulties or coughing and can harm your eyes ...more
    • Asthma
      Asthma is a serious environmental health threat, but it can be controlled by taking medication and by avoiding contact with environmental "triggers" such as dust mites, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals ...more
    • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
      Carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death, is found in combustion fumes produced by cars and trucks, generators, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges, and heating systems ...more
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe two related lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation and scarring of the bronchi (airway tubes). Emphysema is enlargement and destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) within the lungs ...more
    • Mold
      Mold grows anywhere there is moisture but can be prevented. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or skin irritation ...more
  • Resources
    Useful documents and FAQs about asthma and indoor/outdoor air pollution from federal and state agency resources ...more

Other Environmental Hazards & Health Effects Topics