Chances are you have heard reporters on the news talking about your local air quality and referencing different colors and levels. You may not have paid very close attention to what was being reported, but your health can depend on knowing and understanding what poor air quality means and how it can affect your body.
Air Quality Levels
Your local air quality levels can change on a daily basis, with some times during the year producing more bad air days than others. Ignoring the air quality alerts that are provided during the worst times of the year can cause health problems, especially in sensitive groups, such as children and the elderly.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index to rate the levels of unhealthy air on a daily basis. These levels range from green, when air quality is good, to maroon, when air quality is bad enough to be hazardous to the health of the general public. The AQI measures four of the main air pollutants to calculate the daily levels. Those pollutants include:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle pollution
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
Each of these pollutants contributes to the overall pollution present in any given area where the AQI is used.
The Importance of Knowing the Symptoms
There are certain symptoms that can arise when poor air quality affects your body that you should be aware of.
Depending on the air quality levels in your area, you could experience symptoms within just a few hours or several days after breathing the unhealthy air.
By being aware of the symptoms that you may experience on air quality alert days, you can determine whether or not to venture outside or to stay put inside where you can control the quality of your air.
Respiratory Symptoms of Poor Air Quality
When pollution levels are high and air quality alerts are in place, many people may experience an irritation of their respiratory system. This can result in coughing, sore throat, tightness of the chest, irritation of the airways, and even chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to reduce any activities that must be performed outdoors, or simply stay inside.
Shortness of Breath
Exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone can lead to shortness of breath, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Chest Tightness
Chest tightness is a common symptom experienced due to poor air quality, often exacerbated by high levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide and fine particles.
According to the American Lung Association, exposure to particle pollution can cause chest discomfort and tightness, leading to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits
Coughing and Wheezing
Inhaling polluted air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to persistent coughing and wheezing. This is particularly prevalent in areas with poor ventilation and high levels of organic compounds.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that exposure to VOCs can cause respiratory tract irritation and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Throat and Nose Irritation
Pollutants such as gas particles and particulate matter can cause irritation in the throat and nose, leading to discomfort and potential infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that exposure to air pollutants can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can worsen existing health conditions.
Reduced Lung Function
Prolonged exposure to bad air can negatively impact your lungs, making it more difficult to breathe than normal. Some people report noticing their breathing becoming more rapid and shallow when air quality is poor. Exercising during air quality alerts can make this even worse, causing breathing to be uncomfortable. It can become more difficult to take deep breaths, or to inhale and exhale as vigorously as you normally would when exerting yourself.
Over time, pollution can cause permanent damage to the lungs. If inflammation caused by poor air quality is frequent, the lungs can end up with scar tissue due to the shedding of damaged cells. When this happens, people are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or emphysema.
Fatigue And Dizziness
Inhaling pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) can lead to symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, resulting in hypoxia. The EPA warns that even low levels of CO exposure can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease.
Many people report feeling sluggish during air quality alerts, especially if they exercise outside and inhale above-average amounts of bad air.
Those who compete athletically are often unable to perform at their normal levels, and some may even lose fitness due to the inability to train as they typically would. Anyone who notices fatigue should take time off from overexerting in areas where air quality is bad.
Headache
A very common symptom that many people have during times of poor air quality is headaches. The presence of elevated levels of chemicals can cause headaches to occur, sometimes to the point of disability in some people. Along with the irritation of the lungs and respiratory system, pollution can cause the eyes to burn, making it hard for some people to avoid ending up with a headache.
Cardiovascular Symptoms of Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality has significant impacts on cardiovascular health. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and stroke. The American Heart Association reports that both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Those people who have cardiovascular problems may end up with an increase in symptoms that could lead to severe issues or even death. Due to the under-oxygenation of blood, the heart can experience irregular rhythms, resulting in chest pain, tightness, or palpitations.
Long-term exposure to polluted air can result in the following cardiovascular health problems:
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Stroke
Anyone who already has a heart condition should stay inside and avoid any level of exertion that would increase the intake of pollutants in the air.
Avoiding The Symptoms of Poor Air Quality
The best way to stay healthy during an air quality alert is to be aware of the AQI levels and what that means for you. When air is very bad, most media outlets will release the information during broadcasts or online. Armed with important information, you can then determine whether or not to venture outside or if you should hunker down until the air clears.
While ventilation can help reduce indoor pollutant levels, it's crucial to be strategic about when to ventilate. On days with poor outdoor air quality, keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollutants from entering.
Investing in a high-quality air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter can significantly improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers work by trapping airborne particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria and viruses.
In addition to HEPA filters, consider air purifiers that include activated carbon filters, which can adsorb gases and odors like VOCs, formaldehyde, and smoke. This is particularly useful for those living near industrial areas or busy roads.
