Though America is one of the leaders in the world when it comes to technology and innovation, all of the progress continues to have a dire effect on American air quality.
Knowing about the American air quality can help you realize the health risks you make your body vulnerable to as well as the importance of doing what you can to improve overall air quality in your area.
One of the best ways to know about U.S. air quality in-detail is by going through the ‘State of the Air’ report from the American Lung Association. The report is compiled by using data collected from official air quality monitors that record pollution levels across the states.
According to the 2017 report, while the overall air quality has improved, approximately 4 out of 10 people (that’s a total of 125 million U.S. residents) are still living in countries that have unhealthy levels of particle or ozone pollution.
Ozone pollution is often referred to as smog, a combination of smoke and fog.
Particle pollution is a term used for describing small solid or liquid particles that are produced from burning fossil fuel as well as other sources. Inhaling these particles is very easy due to their small size.
California happens to include the 8 of 10 U.S. cities having the worst air pollution.
Health Risks Of Breathing American Air
If you happen to be living in a city that has one of the worst American air quality, there are a number of health risks you’re vulnerable to.
- Asthma.
- Heart Diseases.
- Respiratory Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Cancer, including cervical and even aero-digestive tract cancer.
- Problems with the Central Nervous System; children can experience impeded cognitive development. It can also lead to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
A good thing for you would be to wear a face mask when traveling through densely populated industrial areas. You should also team up with local organizations to do your part in making American air quality better for everyone.
