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SAN JOSE, CA -
Poor air quality can make it difficult for everyone to breathe - especially the children, elderly, and those who suffer from asthma or other chronic health conditions. Air pollution can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort and a burning feeling in the lungs.
In areas exposed to wildfire smoke, particulate matter in the air can contribute to the exacerbation of respiratory disease and other health conditions.
Here are some tips to help protect your health during poor air quality days via
"Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution" Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)
:
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Know when and where air pollution may be bad
-- it is often worst on hot days and when wildfires are burning nearby;
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Plan activities around when and where air pollution levels are low
-- on high pollution days, plan your most vigorous activities for the morning when pollution levels may be lower;
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Keep windows closed and run the AC to get fresh air
--
t
his will bring in fresh air while also filtering out pollutants.
In the car, switch your air intake setting to recirculate air instead of bringing in air from outside the car;
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Watch out for asthma symptoms --
if you begin having symptoms, stop your activity. Also, speak to your doctor to inform them of increased frequency or severity of symptoms;
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Keep your quick-relief medicine on hand
-- that way if you do have symptoms, you'll be prepared;
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Here are some additional tips if you have been exposed to wildfire smoke:
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