What's in the air we breathe, and how does it affect our health?

The air we breathe directly impacts our health.  Poor air quality can affect everyone, but some groups are more vulnerable, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease.

Air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other airborne contaminants can contribute to both short-term and long-term health effects.  Depending on the type of pollutant, concentration, and duration of exposure, health impacts may range from temporary irritation and breathing difficulties to more serious chronic health conditions.

The major pollutants listed below affect human health in different ways and come from a variety of natural and human-made sources.  Explore the list to learn where these pollutants come from, how they affect public health, and what actions can help reduce their impact on our communities.

Ozone (O3):

Source: When gases or vapors created by cars, solvents, factories, and pesticides mix and react in the presence of sunlight.

Health Effects: Difficulty breathing, chest pains, aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Shortness of breath, coughing, and lung damage with prolonged and chronic exposure.

Ways to Prevent: Avoid spending too much time outdoors on high-ozone days; check local ozone levels each day; conserve energy; limit driving; or use alternative-fuel vehicles.

Carbon Monoxide (CO):

Source: Furnaces, clothes dryers, ovens, fireplaces, portable generators, charcoal grills, and vehicles running in garages.

Health Effects: Headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. If CO levels are high enough, you may become unconscious or die.

Ways to Prevent: Properly ventilate vehicles and appliances that run and emit CO; limit the use of CO-polluting appliances; and limit the simultaneous running of multiple appliances to prevent CO buildup.

Particulate Matter (PM10) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5):

Source: Power plants, dust, construction projects, wildfires, cars, and manufacturing facilities.

Health Effects: Coughs, asthma, cancer, lung damage, heart attacks, and premature death.

Ways to Help: Control dust sources, industrial emissions, and residential burning. Limit outdoor activity when PM levels are high.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):

Source: Furnaces, clothes dryers, ovens, fireplaces, portable generators, charcoal grills, and vehicles running in garages.

Health Effects: Lung damage and irritation.

Ways to Help: Conserve energy, use clean renewable energy sources, and limit motor vehicle and equipment use.

Lead (Pb):

Source: Lead smelters, ore and metals processing, engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation fuel, waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturing facilities.

Health Effects: Damage to the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, and cardiovascular systems.

Ways to Help: Control emissions from lead smelters. Use unleaded gasoline. Replace leaded paint with non-lead substitute.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):

Source: Coal or oil burning power plants and industries, refineries, and diesel engines.

Health Effects: Irritates the nose, throat, and airways. Coughing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest. Individuals with asthma at high risk for developing issues.

Ways to Help: Reduce the use of high-sulfur fuels, transition to clean, renewable energy generation, and conserve energy.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S):

Source: Geothermal power plants, petroleum production, and sewer gas.

Health Effects: Rotten egg smell, headache, skin complications, and respiratory damage.

Ways to Help: Control emissions from geothermal power plants, petroleum production, sewers, and sewage treatment plants.