Q. What should I know about pollution caused by air?
A. Research shows that asthma symptoms worsen when air pollution gets worse. A certain case study made on young campers has shown that anyone suffering from asthma (from moderate to severe condition) had more chances of having extreme asthma episodes during summer days when pollution levels were high rather than on other days when pollution levels were average. Besides this a study in recent times has shown that older adults who suffer from respiratory distress have increased their hospital emergency room visits in a significant manner when the level of air pollution increased in the summer season.
Q. How is asthma affected by air pollution?
A. Light winds, sunlight, hydrocarbons from burned fuel and nitrogen oxide combine to form ozone that is one pollutant commonly found in air. Besides this we also find man-made pollutants released by power stations and motor vehicles. Such a combination leads to the creation of a smog cloud. These conditions can clearly be seen in any city where there is a great concentration of cars in the summer season as there is the precise conditions of sunlight and occurrence of low winds. We are then surrounded by a cloud filled with ozone. Ozone causes asthma as it is annoying to the airways and the lungs too. It has been proven that the concentration of ozone is straightforwardly connected to asthma attacks besides causing a want for higher doses of asthma medicine and an urgent need for asthma treatment.
All over the US, you will find declaration of Ozone Action Days when the ozone concentration levels are very high. They help people in avoiding smog - they can take refuge in any air-conditioned room or anywhere away from other allergens and irritants too. During such days, anyone suffering from asthma should be careful so that they don’t move outdoor between 11 am and 8 pm. They can remain in any properly ventilated building especially air-conditioned-buildings. Outdoor exercise should be avoided on such days. Check the peak flow meter and have a proper action plan and daily management exercise for your asthma.
Q. Is there a particular plan for checking air pollution?
A. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined air pollution as any kind of particle (both visible and invisible) or gas that can be detected in air – such a particle or gas will not be a component of natural air. The EPA uses the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) to report air. PSI, which is reported in percentage for ozone is considered to be dangerous when it moves above 100. People who suffer from asthma have to be careful as it can prove lethal for them and they should take all the precautions needed as well as have a proper plan for the same. Even if the ozone levels are considered reasonable (PSI 50-100), you can still face a problem if you have asthma. You would need to take care of your activities and also have medication accordingly.
Q. Does air pollution in my work place also concern me?
A. Yes, but that depends on the conditions present in your work environment. If you are exposed to volatile solvents, known carcinogens or allergens, powders and sprayed substances, then you do face a high risk. It is the duty of your employer to reduce them so that they are able to meet the standards of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), which is considered to be the EPA of any work environment.
You may be exposing yourself to air pollution even when your work setup is considered to be a chemical-free setup. There may be mold spores and cockroaches (powerful allergens) in your work premises that have been existing from a long time. Dust mites are found in any work setup. Besides this there might also be hidden chemicals in your work setup. If the air handling systems are bad, they can bring in irritants and allergens. And if they have become damp, then they can cause breeding of mold spores. Tobacco smoking when allowed in the work premises causes smoke that can harm your breath. Since such illnesses are commonly caused and reported at many work places – they are referred to Sick Building Syndrome.
Q. Do I need to worry about the air pollution present at my home?
A. Of course, since the home has been included by the EPA and the American Lung Association as a high priority public health risk. There is a great chance that you will be exposed to the most number of allergens and irritants in your home. They will keep falling from the air and get stuck in bedding, upholstery and carpets – these places retain a high concentration of allergens and irritants. You will always find the number of surface allergens to be very large when compared to airborne allergens.
Since you perform a number of activities like cooking, bathing, relaxing, eating, sleeping and playing with pets, you are easily exposing your nose and mouth to particles that cause asthma symptoms when you are engaging in such activities. Besides this, cleaning solutions, soaps, cosmetics, hair spray and smoke of any kind can also trigger an asthma episode just like the ones caused by any pollinating flower or dust mites. And since neither the EPA nor OSHA is in charge of regulating your home, you need to take responsibility to clear your home of anything that causes allergies and ventilate it in a proper manner. You can also use air filters in your goal to make your home into a total safe place.
