Protect Yourself from Outdoor Air Pollution by Checking the Air Quality Index
Fairfax, Virginia (PRWEB) July 16, 2013 -- The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the system used to warn the public when air pollution is dangerous. The AQI tracks ozone and particle pollution which are the most widespread air pollutants and also the most dangerous. Ozone (O3) which is often called “smog” is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is harmful to breathe and aggressively attacks lung tissue by reacting chemically with it. Particle pollution refers to a mix of very tiny solid and liquid particles that are in the air we breathe. Nothing about particle pollution is simple; in fact it is so dangerous it can shorten your life span.
Paying attention to the Air Quality Index is important because air pollution can harm anyone. It is especially dangerous for a lot of people, including:
- Children and teens
- People with asthma and other lung diseases
- Anyone over the age 65
- Anyone who exercises or works outdoors
- Anyone who has diabetes
- Those with cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, suffered a heart attack or stroke)
It is important on bad air quality days that you change what you do to help reduce your risk of being harmed.
Ways you can protect yourself and others:
• Be aware of how you feel on high pollution days and take steps to help protect yourself.
• Those who are at higher risk to air pollution are the first to feel the effects of ozone and particle pollution, and they need to take extra steps to protect themselves from harm.
• If the day's level is orange or worse, adjust your plans for the day.
• Avoid prolonged vigorous activity outdoors.
• Stay away from high-traffic areas, and do not exercise near those areas.
• Check the newspapers, radio, TV, and website for updates on AQI levels before going outside.
About Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialists of Northern Virginia, P.C.
The physicians of Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialists of Northern Virginia, P.C. (PCCSNOVA) provide care for patients with a wide range of pulmonary diseases such as Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Nodules. In addition, their board-certified sleep specialists offer local expertise in a variety of sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome. They have been recognized as “Top Doctors” by Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian.
Resources:
-"Air Quality Index" by American Lung Association. Retrieved from: http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/outdoor/air-quality-index.html
-"Health Effects of Ozone and Particle Pollution" by American Lung Association. Retreived from: http://www.stateoftheair.org/2013/health-risks/
Pulmonary Medicine Marketing, Pulmonary & Critical Care Specialists of Northern Virginia, http://www.pccsnova.com, 703-391-8833, [email protected]
Share this article