AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY PATIENT HEALTH SERIES Air Pollution and Health What is air pollution? Air pollution is the name for the mixture of substances in the atmosphere (the air around us that we breathe). Air pollution can cause health problems, by inhaling particles, such as reactive chemicals like ozone, and biological materials like pollens. Air pollution is produced both by human activity (such as combustion of fossil fuels from burning coal) and naturally occurring events (such as volcanoes, dust storms, and wild fires). Author: It is important to remember that; air ■ Seek care for proper management of John R. Balmes, MD, lung and heart conditions on behalf of the pollution is a mixture of many agents, Environmental and can come from many sources, and varies Occupational Health Assembly depending on weather conditions. While What problems might I have if air many pollutants can a!ect our health, pollution is a!ecting me? www.thoracic.org ATS Patient Health Series ozone and particulate matter (soot) have a You may experience any of the following ©2011 American Thoracic Society major impact on the public’s health. Ozone problems. can cause chest discomfort, decreases in ■ Chest discomfort like trouble taking lung function, and airway inflammation a deep breath or feeling like you are (i.e., irritation and injury to the tissue having a heart attack lining the airways). People with asthma ■ Shortness of breath can develop breathing problems after ■ Phlegm/mucus production exposure to ozone. Particulate matter (PM) ■ A cough where you may or may not also can cause respiratory problems, and bring up mucus has been shown to increase the risk of ■ Wheezing which may worsen with heart problems in older people, especially activity those with a prior history of heart disease. ■ Decreased lung function on breathing Exposures to both ozone and PM have tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) been shown to increase the risk of changes, including irregular heart beat premature death. (arrhythmias) or changes showing your heart is being damaged (ischemia). How can I prevent the health e!ects of air pollution? How can I prevent the health There are several things that you can do to e!ects of air pollution? reduce air pollution in and around your home Reduce your exposure to air pollution by and the areas where you live and work. following the warnings given during “smog” ■ Advocate for stricter air quality alerts, especially if you or your child have regulations. conditions such as asthma or ischemic heart ■ Decrease your personal contribution disease. to air pollution by reducing energy ■ Stay indoors on smoggy days consumption through the use of cleaner, ■ Keep windows closed and use air more e"cient appliances in your home. conditioning on hot, smoggy days ■ Use public or active (walking or ■ Use your asthma and heart medications as bicycling) transportation. directed to treat attacks on smoggy days ■ Avoid heavy exercise near busy roadways or on smoggy days When should I contact my ■ Eat a healthy diet that contains fruits healthcare provider? and vegetables high in antioxidants Get immediate help if your breathing (shown to prevent the health e!ects of suddenly gets worse or you have symptoms pollutants like ozone) of a heart attack or heart problems..