Air Quality, Pollution, and Asthma
Air pollution can be a substantial trigger for people living with asthma, particularly in urban areas. Exposure to air pollution early in life is linked to the development of asthma during childhood and adolescence. Traffic-related air pollution in particular is associated with the development of asthma in children and can increase the chance of developing asthma in adults.
If this is a trigger for you, reducing your exposure to air pollution and limiting your time outdoors during poor air quality periods will help reduce your chance of an asthma attack.
Did you know?
Over the past 35 years, the prevalence of asthma has increased worldwide, especially in industrialized countries.
Air Quality & Pollution
The toxic particles in air pollution damage lung functions and the respiratory tract over time. Evidence suggests that even prenatal children whose mothers were exposed to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy may have an increased risk of developing asthma. Extreme temperatures can also affect air quality, with high levels of humidity and cold air both contributing to the likelihood of asthma symptoms getting worse.
Tips for Managing Air Quality & Pollution
Avoid traveling at rush hour if possible
Stay inside when the air quality is poor
Limit physical activities near roads with a lot of traffic
