Outdoor Air Quality

For many years physicians have been aware of the effect of weather on our health and mood. For those with lung disease the weather can be a significant force and it is important to be aware of weather conditions.

CLEAN OUTDOOR AIR

Even though the full impact of global warming has yet to be felt, the world around us is already feeling the heat.  Columbus, along with other Ohio cities, recently joined the national Cool Cities Campaign.  These are cities that have made a commitment to stopping global warming by signing the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.  The cool cities campaign helps cities turn their commitments into action by pushing for smart energy solutions.  In addition to having a positive impact on global warming, these actions also impact lung health because the same polluting particles that contribute to global warming also contribute to poor lung health.

The Breathing Association participates on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Air Quality Committee.  The mission of the committee is to improve and maintain clean, healthy air, and economic vitality in Central Ohio through education, policy development, and strategies that address our energy and air quality challenges.  As the group moves forward to study the impact of air quality on the health of residents of central Ohio, The Breathing Association will work with other committee members to address the relationship between the air we breathe and lung health. 

Cleaner, cooler, healthier air is everyone’s responsibility and we can all learn to become better stewards of our environment. Individual actions to address energy use, air quality and climate change issues are vital and can make a difference.  From the car you drive to the type of light bulbs you select, from the cleaning products you use to what you do with your trash, and from the appliances you buy to the food you eat – you can make a difference.

For more information on outdoor air quality and how to contribute to making the air we breathe healthier for people and the planet, please visit the following websites:

http://airquality.morpc.org/ 
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/
http://www.cleartheair.org
http://www.coolcities.us

Depending on the severity of your lung disease, inhaling cold air can cause your airways to narrow, making breathing difficult.

• When you are out in the cold, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or mask to warm the air as it enters your body.
• On severely cold days avoid going outdoors if possible.
• Keep your home at about 70 degrees F in the day and 65 degrees at night.
• Avoid fireplaces, coal and wood burning stoves that produce smoke particulates, which can irritate your lungs.
    

HEAT & HUMIDITY

Severe heat is a dangerous health threat for everyone. People with lung disease can be sensitive to high temperatures especially when the moisture in the air (humidity) is high as well. Being weather wise and knowing your limits are important safeguards to protecting your health.  

• Local media issue heat advisories when the heat and humidity become dangerous. Pay attention.
• During heat emergencies stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• If you must be outdoors stay in the shade, and wear light colors to reflect the sun’s rays.
  

AIR POLLUTION

Because air pollution levels are affected by the weather, air pollution indexes are now routinely part of local weather forecasts. Air pollution is caused by a number of factors including industrial emissions, ozone, and chemicals, and to the person with lung, high air pollution levels can be dangerous.

• If you live in an area with air pollution pay attention to daily pollution level reports on your local TV or radio stations. 
• Stay inside, in an air-conditioned area if possible, when reports indicate high pollution levels. 
• Avoid cleaning solvents, paint thinners and paint, insecticides, and chlorine bleach. The vapors from these products can cause breathing problems.
• Try not to use aerosol spray products such as hair spray, deodorants, air freshener, window cleaner, and furniture polish. Use liquids or solids that can be rubbed on. 
• Things with scents, potpourri, mothballs, aftershave, perfume, can also irritate your lungs. Try not to use them.
  

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