Health Effects of Air Pollution

(Note: graphics on poster courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Polluted air can damage our bodies in many ways. Air pollution causes a range of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Recent studies have shown that air pollution can harm lung development in children, and can help cause early childhood asthma. Higher air pollution levels have also been associated with a higher incidence of heart problems, including heart attacks, and toxic air pollutants can increase the risk of developing cancer.

APCD has posters available in English and Spanish showing health effects of common air pollutants. To receive printed posters (tabloid size) for public display, contact Mary Byrd at (805) 961-8833. You can also download the posters here (PDF files):

Effects of Common Air Pollutants
Efectos de los Contaminantes Comunes del Aire

To find out more:

See more information on the impacts of air pollution on our lungs from the American Lung Association
See the American Heart Association's scientific statement on why air pollution poses a "serious cardiovascular risk"
View the Children's School Bus Exposure Study and learn about the state's rules against:
school bus idling
idling of trucks and buses
See information on APCD's funding programs for cleaner diesel engines designed to reduce diesel exhaust emissions. Diesel exhaust particulate is considered the number one airborne carcinogen in the state.
Download our APCD flyer Air Pollution and Health (a PDF file)
See What One Person Can Do for Clean Air, and download additional publications here.
See more Health Links on this site.

To receive materials, including posters and factsheets, and for more information, contact Mary Byrd at (805) 961-8833.

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