Avoid poor air

Living in and breathing poor-quality air can lead to negative health effects such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and even premature death.

Do your best to avoid bad air quality.

Inhaling poor-quality air from polluted cities, industrial areas, wildfires, and high-temperature cooking practices can adversely affect our health. A scientific study found that reducing PM2.5 (a measure of air pollution) by 10 µg/m3 can decrease mortality by 17%. Relocating from a pollution-heavy area to cleaner suburban environments can help achieve this reduction in air pollution exposure. Digital tools and online platforms can provide real-time updates on the air quality within your neighborhood. Additionally, consider using air purifiers in your home and workplace, and choose vehicles equipped with air purifying filters to minimize exposure to pollutants further.

Impact

Better sleep

Clean air can positively affect sleep quality. Breathing in clean air during sleep can reduce snoring, improve breathing, and decrease the risk of sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea. Additionally, exposure to air pollution during sleep has been linked to poor sleep quality, disrupted sleep patterns, and sleep disorders. This is because air pollution can irritate the respiratory system and cause inflammation, leading to breathing difficulties that can disturb sleep. Overall, clean air can promote better sleep quality by reducing the risk of respiratory problems and providing a comfortable environment for restful sleep.

Better physical performance

Clean air can improve physical performance by increasing oxygen delivery to the body, reducing fatigue, and decreasing the risk of respiratory problems. Athletes who train in clean air environments have shown improved lung function, aerobic capacity, and overall physical performance compared to those who train in polluted air environments.

Better skin

Clean air can positively affect the skin's health. Exposure to air pollution can lead to premature aging and acne, exacerbating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Breathing in clean air reduces the pollutants and toxins that come into contact with the skin, which can help prevent these harmful effects. Additionally, clean air provides a better environment for the skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated. This can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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Kioumourtzoglou MA, Schwartz J, James P, Dominici F, Zanobetti A. PM2.5 and Mortality in 207 US Cities: Modification by Temperature and City Characteristics. Epidemiology. 2016 Mar;27(2):221-7. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000000422. PMID: 26600257; PMCID: PMC4748718.