For this year’s World Asthma Day, we are celebrating the great strides that have been made to improve the lives of people with asthma. According to our partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), rates of hospitalization for asthma have decreased 50% since 2003, and fewer children are missing school. However, 1 in 6 children with asthma still visit the emergency room each year, and 1 in 20 are hospitalized.
Air pollution can trigger asthma and worsen attacks, especially ozone, which is found in smog, and particle pollution, which is found in haze, smoke, and dust. Track the levels of these pollutants in your area using the Air Quality Index (AQI).
When air pollution is high, find out what outdoor activities are best for you and your family with the air quality guide for ozone and the air quality guide for particle pollution.
Minimize your exposure and that of your family by being air aware! Go to airnow.gov to track your air quality.