Outdoor Air Pollution and Asthma

Outdoor Air Pollution

About Outdoor Air Pollution and Asthma

When inhaled, outdoor pollutants and pollen can aggravate the lungs and lead to:

• Chest pain;
• Coughing;
• Digestive problems;
• Dizziness;
• Fever;
• Lethargy;
• Sneezing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Throat irritation; and/or
• Watery eyes.

Outdoor air pollution and pollen may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Actions You Can Take

Get more information about ozone maps, air quality forecasts, ozone action days, and more.

• Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) on your local weather report.

Get more information about ozone maps, air quality forecasts, ozone action days, and more.

• Know when and where air pollution may be bad.
• Regular exercise is healthy. Check your local air quality to know when to play and when to take it a little easier.
• Schedule outdoor activities at times when the air quality is better. In the summer, this may be in the morning.
• Stay inside with the windows closed on high pollen days and when pollutants are high.
• Use a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency furnace or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to reduce the level of fine particles from the air inside your home.
• Remove indoor plants if they irritate or produce symptoms for you or your family.
• Pay attention to asthma warning signs. If you start to see signs, limit outdoor activity. Be sure to talk about this with your child’s doctor.

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