Outdoor air quality has a crucial impact on our overall health and well-being. The more contaminated with harmful pollutants and toxins it is, the more serious health problems it can cause. That’s why it’s crucial to do our best to minimize our exposure to poor outdoor air quality. To do it, first you need to be able to recognize the symptoms of bad air quality. What are they and what can you do to act more responsibly?
What are the bad air quality symptoms?
How to recognize that the air quality leaves much to be desired and it’s better to stay home? Look out for the following symptoms of bad air quality:
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- Coughing and wheezing – exposure to poor outdoor air quality can irritate the airways, leading to coughing and wheezing.
- Shortness of breath – poor outdoor air quality can make it harder to breathe.
- Chest tightness – polluted air can cause chest tightness and make you feel as if something heavy was on your chest.
- Headaches – if you suffer from frequent headaches, it might be a sign that you’re breathing in polluted air which can cause headaches, and dizziness.
- Fatigue – poor outdoor air quality can make you feel tired and lethargic, even if you sleep long enough.
- Allergies – pollen, mold, and other allergens exacerbate allergy symptoms, causing sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Skin irritation – exposure to poor outdoor air quality can cause skin irritation, such as itching and rashes.
- Aggravation of existing health conditions – it’s one of the most serious bad outdoor air quality symptoms, which implies that you have been breathing in polluted air for a long time. Poor outdoor air quality can worsen existing health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease.
The takeaway
Poor outdoor air quality can have serious health consequences. By recognizing the symptoms of bad air quality and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your exposure to harmful pollutants and toxins. Stay informed about air quality in your area, equip yourself with professional air quality sensors and take action to improve the air you breathe in by making more conscious choices.