MICHIGAN (WNEM) – MyMichigan Health of Midland is sharing some tips to help keep yourself and others safe and healthy during air quality alerts.
MyMichigan Health said that as air pollution, especially from wildfires, becomes a common issue, air quality is significantly impacted. The pollution causes the Air Quality Index (AQI) to rise to unhealthy levels, so it is important to understand its effects on health.
“For individuals with lung diseases such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), exposure to air labeled as ‘very unhealthy’ can pose immediate challenges,” said Paul Berg, M.D., M.H.A., chief medical officer and senior vice president of MyMichigan Health. “Breathing this polluted air can trigger breathing difficulties and aggravate existing symptoms, making disease management more challenging.”
MyMichigan Health said that even those who do not have pre-existing health conditions can experience adverse effects from ‘very unhealthy’ air quality. Healthy people can develop breathing issues, while people with heart conditions may face increased risks of heart attacks or strokes.
Those in vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents, could also suffer from impaired lung development, said MyMichigan Health. During severe pollution scenarios, MyMichigan Health advises high-risk individuals to temporarily locate to mitigate health risks.
Additionally, pregnant women and the elderly should exercise caution during poor air quality, and minimize exposure to polluted air.
“During times of poor air quality, individuals experiencing significant respiratory difficulties, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, or deterioration of existing respiratory conditions should seek medical attention immediately,” Berg said. “For those with underlying conditions like asthma or COPD, staying current with maintenance medications and keeping a rescue inhaler accessible is essential. Consultation with health care providers is recommended for any symptoms related to air quality exposure.”
To keep yourself healthy, MyMichigan recommends to stay indoors whenever possible, and limit outdoor activities. If you must be outdoors, wearing a protective mask such as a N95 can reduce the amount of pollution you breath in.
Air conditioning and air purifiers can also help reduce indoor pollution levels, and using the air recirculatory in vehicles and central air systems at home can also help.
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