pulmonary disorders
Air Pollution–Related Illness
Prevention of Air Pollution–Related Illness
Air pollution is a leading cause of mortality worldwide ( Prevention references ). Preventing or reducing exposure to outdoor air pollutants is central to both acute and chronic risk modification. Patients should be educated on air quality resources, such asairnow.govin the United States and should be encouraged to regularly check air quality in their location and modify activity according to the recommendations made in the air quality alerts. Examples of risk modification include reducing strenuous outdoor exercise and/or staying indoors in spaces with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems on days when air quality is poor ( Prevention references ). Reducing exposure to indoor sources such as smoking and cooking and optimizing ventilation are also recommended. 1.Fuller R, Landrigan PJ, Balakrishnan K, et al. Pollution and health: a progress update [published correction appears inLancet Planet Health2022 Jun 14].Lancet Planet Health2022;6(6):e535-e547. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00090-0 2.Sorensen C, Lehmann E, Holder C, et al. Reducing the health impacts of ambient air pollutionBMJ2022; 379 :e069487. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-069487 