Guest Author - Amy Anaruk

May is Asthma Awareness Month, and last week The American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air report showing, for the first time, a clear difference in air quality between two parts of the country. Particle pollution levels from soot are climbing in the East but have decreased in the West, and almost half the population breathes unhealthy air. While particle pollution can cause severe and even lethal breathing problems for asthmatics and other people with pulmonary problems, it can also trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.

Ozone pollution (smog), on the other hand, has decreased across the country, but the ALA points out that ozone standards are not strong enough. Too many people breathe unclean air.

To find out the particle pollution and ozone levels in your own county, use the ALA's How's Your Air? tool through the link below. I live in a bedroom community with a "C" grade for ozone pollution and unreported particle pollution levels. It could be worse. The larger city to my southwest where some of my family members live earned a "D" ozone grade and an "F" particle pollution grade.

Obviously the numbers need to change, for asthmatics like my daughter as well as for the rest of us. Air pollution levels need to improve or we're all going to have problems. The American Lung Association is asking the EPA to set more stringent ozone standards, and you can help. Click on Protect the Air You Breathe below to send an email to EPA administrator Stephen Johnson, telling him you support the ALA ozone initiative.

Powerlessness does not have to be the overwhelming feature of asthma. You can educate yourself about the air you breathe everyday, and you can push for that air to improve.

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"Smile, breathe and go slowly." -Thich Nhat Hanh



This article is not written by a medical professional, and information on this page should never be substituted for your physcian's advice. If you have any questions about your asthma and/or allergies, you should always contact your physician first.