Pollution&Body

From the cars and buses we see daily to the cleaner you use to clean your windows, air pollution surrounds us. Did you know it has larger negative effects on your body than you may think?

What is air pollution?

Air pollution consists of chemicals or particles like gases, solid particles, or liquid droplets that can harm the health of humans, animals, plants, and even damage buildings (National Geographic) “Most air pollution is created by people, taking the form of emissions from factories, cars, planes, or aerosol cans. Second-hand cigarette smoke is also considered air pollution. These man-made sources of pollution are called anthropogenic sources.” National Geographics also says, “Heating a house by burning substances such as kerosene, wood, and coal can contaminate the air inside the house. Ash and smoke make breathing difficult, and they can stick to walls, food, and clothing.” But, air pollution is not only human-made. Natural sources include smoke that comes from wildfires or volcanoes. They alo say “Air pollution is most common in large cities where emissions from many different sources are concentrated. Sometimes, mountains or tall buildings prevent air pollution from spreading out. This air pollution often appears as a cloud making the air murky. It is called "smog" comes from combining the words "smoke" and "fog."’

According to the American Lung Association’s 2021 State of the Air report, about four in 10 U.S. residents live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

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When the air quality is low, reduce the amount of time spent outside. Plan outdoor activities when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning and evening. This is espesically effective for those with lung conditions like asthma. They also suggest to exercise away from roads and highways because particle pollution is usually worse near these areas and to do easier outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running or using a riding lawn mower instead of a push mower.

"We are a community of over one million moms and dads united against air pollution – including the urgent crisis of our changing climate – to protect our children’s health." -Moms Clean Air Force

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