Increases in asthma and other respiratory diseases in Madison have been identified. While the direct cause of this increase is unclear, efforts to maintain and improve air quality are needed. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to be the agency responsible for monitoring and responding to outdoor air complaints. Health Impact Scientific research continues to identify indoor and outdoor air contaminants as contributing causes of asthma, other respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular disease. However, similar increases are also observed in many other communities around the country.
Older adults are also at greater risk for experiencing health effects due to poor air quality.
Hospitalization data for Dane County shows an increasing trend for older adults to be hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which includes bronchitis and asthma. Most of these hospitalizations result from smoking-related diseases. Calls and complaints to the Department continue to identify localized air quality problems. Environmental Impact Sources Traffic densities on highway and arterial roads in Madison continue to increase and are a significant source of air pollutants, including airborne particulates. Measurement of hazardous air pollutants is not performed consistently.