Public Health Issues
Respiratory Health
Air pollution can make it harder for people with asthma and other respiratory (breathing) diseases to breathe.
Asthma
Find out how you can protect yourself if you’re living with asthma.
- National Asthma Control Program
- Asthma Triggers: Outdoor Air Pollution (EPA)External
- Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution (EPA) Cdc-pdf[PDF – 499 KB]External
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Learn about COPD, a group of diseases that can make it hard to breathe.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Air pollution can be harmful to heart health and may make it more likely that some people will have a heart attack or stroke. Learn the facts about air pollution and how you can keep your heart healthy.
- Heart Disease, Stroke, and Outdoor Air PollutionExternal
- Protect Your Heart: Steps You Can Take to Reduce Health Effects from Air Pollution (EPA)External
Children’s Respiratory Health
Children and teens may be more sensitive than adults to the health effects caused by air pollution — especially children with asthma. Learn how air quality can affect how much outdoor activity is safe for children.
Advice for Travelers
Air pollution has decreased in many parts of the world, but it is worsening in certain industrializing countries. Travelers should be familiar with the air quality at their destination.