pecially 

to 

ungs. 

How can particles affect your health? 

coughing, chest discomof these symptoms, 

persist or worsen. 

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It appears that risk varies throughout a lifetime, generally being higher in early childhood, lower in healthy adolescents and younger adults, and increasing in middle age through old age as the incidence of heart and lung disease and diabetes increases. Factors that increase your risk of heart attack, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, also may increase your risk from particles. In addition, scientists are evaluating new studies that suggest that exposure to high particle levels may also be associated with low birth weight in infants, pre-term deliveries, and possibly fetal and infant deaths. 

Particle exposure can lead to a variety of health effects. For example, numerous studies link particle levels to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits—and even to death from heart or lung diseases. Both long- and short-term particle exposures have been linked to health problems. Long-term exposures, such as those experienced by people living for many years in areas with high particle levels, have been associated with problems such as 

If you have lung disease, you may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as normal, and you may experience fort, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue. If you have any reduce your exposure to particles and follow your doctor’s advice. Contact your doctor if symptoms 

If you have asthma, carefully follow 

your asthma management plan when particle levels are high. Your doctor can help you develop a plan if you don’t have one. If you have heart disease, particle exposure can cause 

serious problems in a short period of time—even heart attacks—with no warning signs. So don’t assume that you are safe just because you don’t have symptoms. Symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, palpita- 

because reduced lung function and the development of chron- 

h dia- ic bronchitis—and even premature death. tions, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indi

cate a serious problem. If you have any of these symp- 

use Short-term exposures to particles (hours or days) can	 toms, follow your doctor’s advice. 

scular	 aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks and 

acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility 

How can you avoid unhealthy exposure? 

use they to respiratory infections. In people with heart disease, 

dia- short-term exposures have been linked to heart attacks	 Your chances of being affected by particles increase the 

more strenuous your activity and the longer you are 

els are 

zed, 

sease. 

and arrhythmias. Healthy children and adults have not been reported to suffer serious effects from short- active outdoors. If your activity involves prolonged or term exposures, although they may experience tempo- heavy exertion, reduce your activity time—or substitute another that involves less exertion. Go for a walk 

easons. rary minor irritation when particle levels are elevated. instead of a jog, for example. Plan outdoor activities for 

e time days when particle levels are lower. And don’t exercise 

o have What are the symptoms of particle near busy roads; particle levels generally are higher in 

be exposure? 

these areas. Even if you are healthy, you may experience tempo- 

rary symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath. 
Daily air quality and health information are available on the 

What Is Particle Pollution? 

United States Agency 

 or heavy 

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. 

AIRNOW 

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AIRNOW Web site. 

Are You at Risk? How Can You Protect Yourself? 

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Environmental Protection 

Particle Pollution and Your Health 

*Photo courtesy of The Weather Channel

Office of Air and Radiation www.epa.gov/air September 2003 EPA-452/F-03-001 

AIRNOW (www.epa.gov/airnow) is a Web site that gives daily information about air quality, including ground-level ozone and particles, and how they may affect you. AIRNOW contains: 

Real-time particle levels for many locations. Air quality forecasts for many cities across the country. Kids’ Web page and associated teacher curriculum. Smoke Web page. Links to state and local air quality programs. Ideas about what you can do to reduce particles. For example, you can keep your car, boat, and other engines well-tuned, and avoid using engines that smoke. You can also participate in local energy conservation programs.