Air Pollution and Health

Air pollution poses a serious health threat, especially to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory and heart diseases.

Recent studies have shown that some air pollutants are associated with decreased lung function, increased symptoms of respiratory irritation, increased use of asthma medications, and increased hospitalization for asthma. These things all occur even when levels of air pollution are well within current federal health standards.

Exposure to some types of air pollution has been associated with increased deaths and higher rates of lung cancer.

Air pollution also makes healthy people more susceptible to health problems.

This page contains links to studies on air pollution and health, as well as a link to daily pollen counts, which can affect people with asthma and allergies.

Department of Health Press Release about poor air quality and health - May 2006
Locate your nearest Health Department
American Heart Association - Air pollution is a serious cardiovascular risk
Daily Pollen Counts - For Yesterday - During pollen season
Air Quality Data
Outdoor/Residential Burning Information

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