Common air pollutants can cause dangerous health effects. Air pollution triggers asthma episodes, sends people to hospitals, affects children’s lung development, and can even be deadly. Someone in every family is likely to be at increased risk from air pollution.
Follow these tips to understand poor air quality and protect your health.
Learn about the two main types of air pollution
Check the air quality in your area
Air pollution can harm anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for many people, including children and teens, people with asthma and other lung diseases, anyone over 65, people who have diabetes or cardiovascular disease or who are pregnant. Being aware of when the air quality is bad gives you the chance to take steps to protect your health. To see your local air quality visit AirNow.gov.
How can I protect myself or a loved one?
If you live with a lung disease (like asthma or COPD) or care for someone with a lung disease, it’s especially important to take extra precautions when the air quality is poor. Start by understanding which days you need to take additional steps: Download information on Orange Air Quality Days (PDF). Then follow the guidance below for your condition.
Learn about local air quality education efforts
- Find out how you can get involved with Reducing the Lung Health Burden of the Climate Crisis.
What can I do to make the air healthier?
- See how your state’s air quality stacks up in our yearly State of the Air report.
- Learn more about how to be prepared for emergencies and disasters that can impact your air quality.
Page last updated: July 30, 2025
