Summer is in full swing, and with holidays and summer activities just around the corner, it's a good idea to be air aware and prepared before you step outside for your BBQs, pool time, or any outdoor activities. With wildfire smoke creating air quality issues, you and your family must keep a close eye on your Air Quality Index (AQI) this summer.
WHY DOES AIR QUALITY MATTER?
Breathing clean air reduces your risk of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer and lessens chronic and acute respiratory illnesses like asthma. Lower levels of air pollution are better for long- and short-term heart and respiratory health. In general, clean air improves the quality of life for everyone and protects against long-term health conditions.
Air pollution is linked to various health problems, including wheezing and shortness of breath, reduced lung function, aggravation of asthma and other respiratory diseases, chest pain, non-fatal heart attacks, and premature death among people with existing lung and heart conditions.
It's important to monitor air quality throughout the day, especially when family and friends are outside during the day.
WHAT DO THE AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) THRESHOLDS MEAN?
WHAT ARE THE SENSITIVE GROUPS?
- People with health conditions (lung & heart diseases, respiratory illness and diabetes)
- People 18 and younger
- People 65 years and older
- Pregnant parents
- Outdoor workers
Everyone should watch for symptoms of wildfire smoke as a sign to reduce exposure to the smoky air.
STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH:
- Know when air quality is unhealthy by visiting the reported site State AQI | AirNow.gov
- Protect yourself while driving — Close your windows in traffic and set your ventilation system to recirculate the inside air to avoid breathing vehicle exhaust.
- Avoid exposure to pollutants — Keep away from wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other sources of airborne particles, where possible. Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion near busy roadways or on days when the air quality is poor.
- Increase filtration in your home when air quality is poor. A simple box fan and MERV-13 filter will capture particulate in your home.
- People with increased health conditions may consider N95 masks to protect their lungs further.
KEEPING INDOOR AIR CLEAN
After several days smoke can enter homes and buildings through leaky gaps in windows and doors. Having a way to filter indoor air will help keep you healthy and it's a good time to buy your indoor air filters before they sell out:
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