Particulate Invasion: Managing Air Quality Indoors and Out

By: Brandi Goodman

Particulate-Invasion-Managing-Air-Quality-Indoors-and-Out

We are nothing without air. The quality of the air we breathe can significantly affect our overall well-being. Poor-quality air, such as that from the wildfires in the West, has a detrimental effect even though we might be miles away from the actual burn. Then, there is the dampness from mold from flooding in the East. Throughout the year, air is under attack.

People who already suffer from respiratory illnesses must be cautious indoors and outdoors. The particulate matter in the air can cause even more harm than some realize.

To stay safe, manage indoor air quality and avoid outdoor air on poor-quality days.

Let’s look at air quality to see if we can understand it better.

What is air quality, and why does it matter?

Air quality refers to how safe and healthy the air is to breathe. If unsafe and unhealthy, you may experience health issues, such as headaches, coughing, nausea, a burning sensation in the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Air quality is measured based on an air quality index (AQI) broken down into a 6-color range; you’ve probably seen it during the local news, typically during the weather report. The values are:

Green - 50 or below AQI - Good
Yellow - 51-100 AQI - Moderate
Orange - 101-150 AQI - Unhealthy for sensitive groups
Red - 151-200 AQI - Unhealthy
Purple - 201-300 AQI - Very unhealthy
Maroon - 301 or higher - Hazardous

When ozone levels reach the orange stage, health concerns arise. Individuals already experiencing respiratory issues, those with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults are most likely to feel the effects. Once it reaches the maroon stage, everyone can be impacted.

Bad air quality that reaches these concerning stages has been contaminated with pollutants. The most common pollutants are nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. The air becomes dangerous to breathe.

How to tell if your indoor air quality is poor

It’s wise to start learning to recognize signs of poor air quality. If you realize it, you can find ways to improve it. When indoors, see if you notice any strange smells, such as mold or mildew. Purchase a humidity monitor and see if your home is regularly humid. If the number is regularly above 50 percent humidity, it indicates poor air quality. Other warning signs are the home feeling stuffy, a lack of airflow, you feel hot or cold spots, or there is lots of dust.

Be on the lookout for any symptoms in yourself as well. Suppose you’re coughing, sneezing, feeling your eyes watering or itching, having headaches, or otherwise feeling unwell. In that case, it is time to start making changes to improve the air quality in your home.

Health risks associated with poor air quality

Exposure to air pollution can lead to serious health effects. At first, you may notice yourself with a headache or coughing more often. Over time, you can experience respiratory distress. You may find it difficult to breathe or have more frequent asthma attacks. After long-term exposure, you can develop a respiratory disease, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. It can also lead to heart attacks and premature death.

How you can protect yourself from poor outdoor air quality

Before engaging in any outdoor activity, it’s best to look at the current AQI for your area by typing your zip code into the AirNow website or looking elsewhere online and seeing the exact quality level at any given time. If you are already vulnerable to respiratory distress or have a weakened immune system, avoid going outside if it’s in the orange range. Anyone else should avoid going outside if the range is red or worse. If you must go outside, wear a mask to help protect yourself from breathing in the air and its particulates.

How air purifiers help and what kind you should use

Air purifiers can help boost indoor air quality. These should be run on poor air quality days and when you notice any signs of poor air quality in your home. You should purchase a cleaner that has a true HEPA filter. It should also meet the correct size guidelines for your space. You can also look for a purifier that targets specific pollutants you are concerned about, such as pet dander or cigarette smoke.

Ways to improve indoor air quality daily

You can work to improve the air quality of your home daily. Open your windows and doors to let fresh air in from outside when the AQI is green. Cut down on any pollutants you use inside your home, including cleaning chemicals. Do not smoke inside. Keep your HVAC system well-maintained and up-to-date. Make sure the filter is cleaned or changed regularly. Use indoor plants that are beneficial for air quality, such as peace lilies, snake plants, English ivy, and aloe vera. If you’re still experiencing poor indoor quality, calling a professional to check for mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and more may be best. Look for an air quality consultant near you.

Major contributors to outdoor air pollution in the United States

Outdoor air pollutants in the United States are caused by several significant contributors that raise ozone levels to dangerous heights. Particulate pollution comes from industrial facilities, power plants, gas stations, dry cleaners, and vehicles. Natural sources such as wildfires, vegetation, wind-blown dust, and volcanoes are also contributors. This impacts both animal health and human health.

The smoggiest cities in the United States

There are many polluted cities in the U.S., several of which reside in California. Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, Fresno, Delano, and San Diego are among them. Houston, as well as the Phoenix-Mesa area of Arizona, is also concerning. The Eugene-Springfield and Medford-Grants Pass areas are some of the worst in Oregon. Although we typically associate Alaska with crisp, clean air, Fairbanks is also at the top.

It is crucial for people who walk or bike to work or school to be mindful of the air quality and ways to mitigate its impact.

Despite the Clean Air Act being in effect and some progress made, too many people’s lives are still at stake due to the ever-present smog.

How wildfires affect air quality

Wildfires are a particular concern in some areas, with states such as California, Alaska, Oregon, Utah, and Texas impacted most often. The smoke that fills the air contains coarse and fine particles. The fine particles are the biggest concern because they can reach deep into your lungs and cause the most damage. The state of the air reaches hazardous levels when wildfires are present, and the smoke from them can reach hundreds of miles away, impacting a much larger area than one might realize. It can go several states from where the fire originated and negatively affect many people.

Ways to improve indoor air quality during poor outdoor air conditions

When wildfires are blazing nearby, or smog has taken over, you may also notice poor indoor air quality. It’s far too easy for outdoor air to get into your home, but there are ways you can work to improve it. First, keep all windows and doors closed. Avoid venturing out if possible. Run an air purifier and avoid any activities that may pollute the air, such as running the dryer or cleaning with chemicals. If you run your air conditioner, circulate the inside rather than use outside air.

Connection between chiropractic care and better air quality resilience

With intelligent health strategies in your arsenal, you have a better chance of being resilient against environmental challenges, including air pollution. When you receive regular chiropractic care, for example, your body may be able to fight harder against the harmful particulates in the air. With your nervous system operating to the best of its ability, which is a primary benefit of chiropractic care, you may be able to manage this kind of stress on your body. The Joint Chiropractic is your partner in health, encouraging you to lead a healthy life in all possible ways. That includes staying indoors when the air is bad and doing what you can to ensure your indoor air is the best potential.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.