Asthma & Your Health
#AQAW2020 Day 2 is all about the connection between air pollution and asthma and your health!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research shows that more than 32 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma at some time. Approximately 22 million U.S. residents currently have asthma. Of those, 12 million have had an asthma episode or attack over the past year.
Since 2003, rates of hospitalization for asthma have decreased 50 percent, according to the CDC. However, 1 in 6 children with asthma still visit the emergency room each year, and 1 in 20 require hospitalization.
Air pollution can trigger asthma and worsen attacks, especially ground-level ozone; and particle pollution, which is found in haze, smoke and dust.
The CDC’s website offers a comprehensive overview of asthma including studies and statistics, including:
- Common asthma triggers
- Fact sheet on asthma and outdoor air pollution (EPA)
- Resources for health professionals and schools
Additionally, we encourage everyone to check their local AQI before heading outside. This is especially useful for asthma sufferers as they may want to avoid overexertion during times of poor air quality.
Visit the Air Quality Awareness Week page on the EPA’s website for more resources.