What can people do to reduce air pollution and its negative effects?
There are many sources of air pollution. Most people think of factories, power plants and large industries as the main sources. What they would be surprised to learn is that they could be harming their lungs in their own backyards. The following are all sources of air pollution: • open burning of trash or yard materials • gasoline engines (e.g., lawn mowers, snow blowers and leaf blowers) • charcoal grills • vehicles • old paint cans • gasoline cans • household cleaners If your patients, clients or students are having trouble with poor air quality, encourage them to minimize their exposure to outdoor air during watches and advisories and to manage their risk of breathing in toxic air by reducing their use of equipment or products that cause air pollution and looking for less-polluting alternatives. Review Air Repair [PDF 3.4 MB] and Do a Little Save a Lot for more information.
