I have a child with cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a life-threatening and life-shortening condition for which lung infections are common. Repeated infections can cause permanent damage in the form of scar tissue, often leading to lung failure over time.
People with CF can live longer if they are lucky enough to receive a lung transplant, but poor air quality, such as from dust and smog pollution, fracking fumes, and cigarette smoke are all contributing factors that make the lungs work harder and can decrease overall quality of life.
The cleaner the air, the easier it is for my child to perform the basic life function of breathing. Cleaner air will give my child more days on this planet. At a very basic level, cleaner air means longer life. It's that simple.
