Take a deep breath and relax. Turns out, that might be easier said than done in some U.S. cities.
Even though air quality is improving nationwide, Health.com reports that more than half of Americans are still exposed to air that has the potential to make them sick. The trouble comes when tiny particulates find their way into your lungs. The outcome usually isn’t healthy.
California didn’t fare well on Health.com’s air-quality list. It was home to 6 of the 11 worst cities in the nation for air quality. Some cities struggled with significant traffic and stagnant air. Others had power plants and factories that produced smog and soot. But regardless of where the pollution was coming from, it was still unhealthy enough to make Americans sick.
Dr. Norman H. Edelman, the chief medical officer at the American Lung Association, recommended that people who live in areas with high pollution use quality air conditioning filters. Our Fan Buddie is a good solution for those who cool their homes with box fans.
It’s also important to reduce pollution as part of every-day living. The Environmental Protection Agency says that choices we make will either contribute to, or cut back on, the levels of air pollution. Their recommendations include conserving energy by unplugging appliances when not in use to putting outdoor lights on timers. Also, they suggest washing clothes in either warm or cold water, instead of hot, to conserve energy. For a complete list of tips from the EPA click here.