Summer Heat Brings Air Pollution
Lung Association Urges Public to Keep Informed
New England Region (July 7, 2010)—
The American Lung Association of New England is urging people in the region to keep themselves informed about air quality and to take action to protect themselves from air pollution. “It is sad but true. When we have a series of hot, sunny days the air quality is often unhealthy. We often compare exposure to ozone air pollution to a sunburn on your lungs. Except you can’t see it.” said Jeff Seyler, the organization’s CEO. “It is not just people with lung disease or other chronic illnesses that are affected. About 25% of all people, including those without health problems, react strongly to ozone with shortness of breath and tightness in their chest.”
The Lung Association is urging all people in New England to subscribe to EnviroFlash, a free service provided by the EPA that will notify you by email or text when air quality is likely to be unhealthy in your area. “We would like to see everyone in New England signed up to be notified when the levels are predicted to be moderate, a level at which negative health effects have been noted” said Seyler. There is no cost and it just takes a few minutes. Information can be found at www.airnow.gov.
During days when the air quality is unhealthful, the Lung Association suggests that people take the following steps: reduce strenuous outdoor activity or limit exercise to early morning hours, limit driving if possible, stay in air conditioned areas, conserve energy and don’t idle your vehicle. For more information visit www.lungne.org .
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About the American Lung Association of New England
The American Lung Association of New England serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. We are part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health agency in the U.S.
Our focus today is on healthy air, tobacco control and all lung disease, including asthma and COPD. Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease and we do that through education, research and advocacy.
For more information about the American Lung Association of New England or to support the work it does, call 1-888-241-6566 or visit www.lungne.org.
