Poor air quality days are unhealthy for everyone but can have more severe impacts on certain individuals depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and duration of exposure, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Children, the elderly, pregnant mothers, and those with existing respiratory and heart conditions may experience more intense symptoms.
Common short-term health effects include:
- Eyes, nose, and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath and decreased lung function
- Worsening of asthma and other existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
- Increase in Emergency Room and Urgent Care visits
Prolonged and repeated exposure to poor air quality can result in:
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke
Steps you can take to protect your health:
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area before going outside:
- When the air quality is poor, stay indoors when possible, with the windows closed. Avoid creating additional indoor air pollution by waiting to vacuum and not burning candles or using aerosol products.
- Reduce time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities on poor air quality days.
- Use an indoor air purifier in a room with closed windows and doors to create a “clean air room” to get relief.