Air Quality

The air outside isn’t always safe to breathe. Air pollution can come from many sources, like cars, trucks, factories, and wildfires. Sometimes, nature also plays a role—dust storms, heavy winds, and pollen can all make air quality worse.

When the air is polluted, it can cause health problems. People with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or other breathing issues may have more trouble when the air is bad. Poor air quality can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Air pollution doesn’t only affect people with health problems—it can also bother healthy people, especially children and older adults. That’s why it’s important to check your local air quality reports, especially on hot or hazy days.

As weather patterns change and wildfires become more common, poor air quality is becoming a bigger issue in many communities. Keeping our air clean helps protect everyone’s health.

For more information on air quality, shelter-in-place, and evacuation plans, visit our Public Health Emergency Preparedness page: