Air Quality: Solution 2 – Avoid Poor Air Quality

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Air Quality: Solution 2 – Avoid Poor Air Quality

Image:  UNC CEHS COEC

Big Idea: It is important to avoid poor air quality days by staying indoors and closing doors and windows.

Talking Points:

• On these days, put the air conditioner on “re-circulate” mode in the home and when commuting to work or school in a car.
• Research shows that HEPA filters in HVAC systems and portable room cleaners are effective in removing small particles from the air. Get the appropriate sized HVAC filter, and change filters regularly to ensure they are effective.
• If you or someone in your home has asthma, consider maintaining a “clean room” where the person with asthma can spend most of their time on high pollution days. In this space, regularly clean surfaces, use a HEPA vacuum, and keep pets, tobacco smoke, and other asthma triggers out.
• Finally, remember that people with asthma should have their medications readily available at all times.

Sources:
Guarnieri and Balmes, 2014Guarnieri and Balmes, 2014. Outdoor Air Pollution and Asthma. 
Laumbach, Meng, and Kipen, 2015. “What can individuals do to reduce personal health risks from air pollution?” Journal of Thoracic Disease.
Rappold et al, 2017. Community Vulnerability to Health Impacts of Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure.
US EPA, “Indoor Air Quality,”