Have you ever received an alert on your smartphone indicating air quality in your area is low and wondered, “What does that mean? How does this affect me or my family?”
Air quality is a measurement of how clean or polluted air in your area may be. It is measured on a six-tier scale referred to as the Air Quality Index with levels ranging from “good” to “hazardous.” This scale measures “five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide,” according to the National Weather Service.
“It’s important for us all to be aware of air quality, particularly when it is reaching unhealthy levels, as it has been tied not only to respiratory infections, but also more serious long-term effects, such as chronic lung conditions or even cancer,” said Dr. Samid Farooqui, a pulmonologist with SSM Health Medical Group in Oklahoma City.
A familiar scenario when Americans often become more aware of air quality includes wildfires. Even if the fires are hundreds – or even thousands – of miles away, winds can bring pollutants to your area. Smoke from fires can include many pollutants that cause threats to public health.
“In the event you find yourself in the path of wildfire smoke or other air pollutants, be sure to stay tuned to your local news media and listen to the advice of your local emergency management officials,” pulmonologist Dr. Kaleem Ishaq said. “Generally speaking, it is advisable to stay indoors, seal doors and windows and use a high-efficiency air filter, if you have one. In some extreme cases, local officials may even evacuate the area.”
While wildfire smoke is one of the most visible, relatable causes of poor air quality, there are many others, including but not limited to industrial and vehicular pollution, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, according to the World Health Organization.
For individuals with known or suspected lung health conditions, poor air quality can be a serious threat to their wellbeing. Patients with lung cancer, emphysema, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung issues or those recovering from pneumonia, bronchitis, severe COVID-19 or other more typically temporary conditions should speak with their physician and make plans in advance on how they should handle low-quality air situations in order to optimize their lung health.
“It’s important to remember that any type of air contaminant you can see, such as smoke from a wildfire, should be taken extremely seriously, but we should all remember that there are times of poor air quality created by things we can’t see, as well,” said pulmonologist Dr. Syed Naqvi. “Our lungs are not only quite literally vital to our overall health, but taking good care of our lungs can contribute to greater comfort and improved quality of life, too.”
If you have questions or concerns about your lung health, check with your primary care provider for a referral or find a pulmonologist near you. Learn more about pulmonology services at SSM Health.
If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency at any time, dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
