- According to KidsHealth.org, ozone in the Earth's upper atmosphere helps protect us from harmful UV rays. But ground-level ozone is different. It is an irritant created when sunlight mixes with exhaust fumes and industrial pollutants (also known as smog).
- Since 2004, the American Lung Association has included "particle pollution" in its "State of the Air" report. Particle pollution refers to particulates such as dust, soot, smoke, aerosol droplets and other fine irritants that enter deep into the lungs where they cause problems. According to the American Lung Association, 23 percent of the population lives where particle pollution is at unhealthy levels all year.
- Other air pollutants include gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and industrial fumes--in addition to the ozone and particle pollutants. Also, even outdoors, cigarette smoke and other types of smoke can trigger asthma attacks in adults and children.
- According to KidsHealth.org, children are affected by indoor and outdoor air pollution because they have faster breathing rates and their lungs are still growing. Children's asthma has become more widespread, and studies suggest it is the most common chronic childhood disease.
- Air pollution triggers inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. The bronchial tubes swell up and create mucus, making it hard to breathe, causing coughing and the wheezing sound that is characteristic of an asthma attack.
