Information on Health Effects from Air Pollution
Updated August 4, 2011
Scientific evidence shows air pollution not only affects people with respiratory problems, like asthmatics, but it affects healthy adults and children as well. For example, exposure to ozone for 6 to 7 hours, even at relatively low concentrations, significantly reduces lung function and induces respiratory inflammation in normal, healthy people during periods of moderate exercise.
The sites linked below have information on potential health effects from many types of air pollution.
INFORMATION ON HEALTH EFFECTS
Air Quality Index Chart - Used in the Spare the Air Program
Air Quality Index - YouTube Video Understanding the Air Quality Index 5/7/09
Health and Air Pollution Learn how air pollution is an important health concern and how it causes serious long term effects. From the research topics to the new ‘Children’s Environmental Health Protection Act’, many topics are available from the California Air Resources Board.
Health Publication Finder The California Department of Public Health offers information on a number of programs regarding air pollution exposure and health impacts in indoor and outdoor air, including workplaces.
Asthma and Air Pollution The American Lung Association addresses outdoor air pollution health effects of pollutants such as diesel exhaust and wood burning smoke.
The New England Journal of Medicine A medical journal which provides research on different health topics, including health effects of different pollutants including long term studies.
The Health and Clean Air Newsletter Information and research from scientific journals in a clear, accurate format.
Ozone depletion, including sun safety information for parents and caregivers
Particle Pollution and Your Health (Smoke, Dust, Metals, Allergens) Information about the risk, symptoms and health effects when particle pollution increases.
Radiation and Your Health
POLLEN INFORMATION
National Allergy Bureau Pollen & Spore Levels - Western Region
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
California Indoor Air Quality Information
EPA Indoor Air Quality Information
SMOKE AND WOODBURNING
Particle Pollution and Your Health (Smoke, Dust, Metals, Allergens) Information about the risk, symptoms and health effects when particle pollution increases.
Air Pollution Effects from Summer 2001
Woodburning Handbook (9/09) (PDF)