Urban

Smoke Stacks- Air Pollution

Heavy industry produces air pollution like nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone and fine particles that can affect your asthma. These pollutants are often called smog. High traffic areas also have high levels of air pollution. If you live near an area with heavy industry or high traffic areas, take the following actions:

• Keep windows closed when ozone/smog levels are high. Use air conditioners to filter air when available.

• Refer to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Smog Watch website for daily smog levels or call 1-800-631-2871 or (317) 233-2318.

Construction Site- Air Pollution & Dust

Heavy machinery used at construction sites normally uses diesel fuel. Diesel exhaust releases nitrogen dioxide and fine particles creating air pollution that can affect asthma. Construction sites are usually dusty, which can make breathing more difficult.

• People with asthma should avoid construction areas.

• If you live near a construction area and are having trouble with your asthma, close the windows in your home and use air conditioners to filter air.

• Use a HEPA filter face mask respirator. These masks can be found at your local hardware store.

Bus- Air Pollution

Buses, trucks and cars release nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, creating air pollution. High traffic areas have higher levels of air pollution that can affect your asthma.

• If you live near high traffic areas, close the windows in your home and use air conditioners to filter air when possible.

• Avoid outdoor activities on days when air quality is poor, such as Ozone Action Days. Check the Indiana Department of Environment Management’s Smog Watch website for daily ozone levels or call 1-800-631-2871 or 1-317-233-2318.

• Contact local officials and talk to them about using alternative fuels such as biodiesel fuels. Converters or filters can be put on older buses to reduce emissions.

• Contact local officials about adopting no-idling policies.

Landscaping- Pollen

Pollen counts are higher in the spring thru fall. Tree pollen counts are highest in the early spring, grass pollens in the late spring and summer, and weed pollens in summer and fall.

• Limit outdoor activities, such as gardening, when pollen counts are high. Stay indoors and use air conditioners when possible.

• To find out if pollen counts are high visit the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website for Daily Pollen Counts.

• Your doctor can do an allergy test to find out which trees, grasses, or weeds may affect your asthma.

Bicycle- Exercise

Exercise is one a common asthma trigger. Cold dry air, pollen, mold and air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse during exercise. Though exercise can be an asthma trigger, it is important to stay active.

• Check the Indiana Department of Environment Management’s Smog Watch website for daily ozone levels or call 1-800-631-2871 or 1-317-233-2318.

• Check daily weather reports or the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website for Daily Pollen & Mold Counts for pollen counts.

• Visit the Indiana Chronic Disease Management Program website for more information on Exercise and Asthma

Burn Barrel- Air Pollution & Smoke

Smoke from backyard burn barrels makes air pollution. Burning trash is illegal in Indiana. The smoke, toxins and fine particles that are released from burning trash are harmful and can cause someone with asthma to have an attack. Burning leaves and other yard waste can also be harmful to people with lung diseases.

• Do not burn trash and report illegal trash burning to the local authorities.

• Do not burn yard waste. Try composting yard waste. The compost will make a natural fertilizer for gardening.

• For more information on illegal open burning visit Stop Burning Trash.org