Experts share ways to protect your lungs from air pollution

WAUSAU, WI. (WSAW) – It was likely something your mom said, or maybe you even tell your own kids: go outside and get some fresh air, but research shows, there are several factors that can make the outdoor air not so great.

We usually don’t think about air quality concerns, but if you remember last year, wildfires from Canada and California caused problems for the air right here in central Wisconsin, and it’s not just wildfire we need to be concerned about. It’s also emissions from industries and vehicles. Experts with Cleveland Clinic says poor air quality makes symptoms worse for those living with chronic lung diseases. It can also make our risk of asthma higher. Air pollution can increase the risk of other conditions, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and heart disease.

“If you have an indoor air purifier, a HEPA air purifier, those can really help to reduce the amount of air pollution that’s coming inside the home. Avoiding doing things like burning candles or burning incense because that’s going to create indoor air pollution,” said Dr. Maeve MacMurdo, Cleveland Clinic.

You can stay safe during an air quality alert by staying informed and staying inside if possible. If you must go out, limit the amount of time you spend to essential activities. When air quality is poor, minimize your use of items that increase pollution. Such as cars, gas powered lawn mowers and other vehicles. Also remember not to burn debris or other items during an air quality alert. You can keep tabs on the air quality in your area by using the us air quality index.

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