Providers and patients: The information below can be downloaded and printed in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole from the links below.
Air quality measures the amount of pollution in the air. Pollutants lower the air quality. Measuring air quality tells us how healthy and clean the air is for us to breathe.
Poor air quality impacts our health. Children and people with medical conditions that affect breathing, like asthma, are at a higher risk. Depending on the kind of pollution, bad air quality can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, coughing, itchy eyes, a sore throat or runny nose.
Enter your zip code at www.airnow.gov to find your air quality index (AQI) and to see recommendations.
Consider your home environment and what may be impacting the air you breathe.
Consider the air outside your home and what may be impacting the air you breathe.
Here are some actions to decrease the risk:
Be aware: Look up your air quality and pollen indexes to know the level of risk.
Limit exposure: Avoid exercising and playing outdoors on days with poor air quality or high pollen counts. Leave your shoes at the door and change your clothes when entering your home to prevent tracking pollutants inside.
Be prepared: Talk to your provider about starting allergy medicines early and keep emergency medications available. Store these medicines at room temperatures so they work as they should.
For more resources on air quality and allergens, visit:
