Air pollution is a subtle, but ever-present threat to your health. Air pollution is created when “gases, droplets and particles” combine to make the air poorer in quality, according to Family Doctor. Neither the city nor the country is safe from the effects of air pollution.

The largest part of air pollution in cities is caused by ground-level ozone, which occurs when fuel and engine gases combine with sunlight in the air. Experts urge people to understand that ground-level ozone is not the beneficial ozone, which is the Earth’s protective layer that keeps out harmful sun radiation.

How Can Air Pollution Affect Me?

The symptomatic effects of air pollution are evident in the population. The first level of irritation can occur in the eyes, lungs and throat. There may be a tightening of the chest and coughing accompanying the air pollution. Most physicians claim that generally healthy people need not worry about the symptoms of air pollution as they will probably fade as the conditions improve.

Still, there are those who can have a more negative reaction to air pollution. Children are one example. Children who live in areas of high pollution may experience much more symptoms of illness, including earaches and bronchitis. Also, individuals with lung or heart disease may react more strongly to pollution than those who are healthy.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

There are many ways to stay protected from air pollution. The best way to keep yourself and your family safe from air pollution is to be informed. Know what types of air pollution affect where you live. Is it the exhaust from cars or excessive pollen? Monitor the PSI or pollutant standard index so that you will be knowledgeable of when levels are higher than others.

Still, you can keep the affects of air pollution to a minimum. The first way, unfortunately, is to stay inside as much as possible when the conditions are less then favorable. Also, try to focus on your outdoor activities during the morning or after the sun sets. Physicians recommend keeping the exercise inside when pollution levels are high.

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