Clean Air Partners Urges Area Residents to Improve the Air

Simple Steps Can Reduce Air Pollution and Safeguard Public Health

BALTIMORE & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coronavirus fears have put millions of Americans on high alert about the dangers that can lurk unseen and undetected in the air. Health experts also warn air pollution expected to increase in the upcoming summer months can have serious health effects. Clean Air Partners is reminding area residents of simple steps they can take to improve the air and protect public health in the Baltimore-Washington area as its annual ozone season public education campaign gets underway in conjunction with Air Quality Awareness Week May 4-8.

A recent study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports that air pollution weakens the immune system and fuels inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, adding to the risk of contracting severe cases of COVID-19. Particles in the air also can aggravate asthma, which affects 200,000 children and 700,000 adults in the region. In Baltimore, childhood asthma rates are more than double the national average.

“After just a few weeks of sheltering-in-place and staying close to home, we’ve seen the dramatic images from around the world of blue skies and reduced pollution,” said Dr. Janet Phoenix, MD, MPH, Manager, Asthma Health and Education Services for Breathe DC. “If we all commit to making simple changes in our daily habits, we can protect our lungs and enjoy improved air quality year ‘round.”

Even though stay-at-home restrictions recently have resulted in reduced vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution, emissions from power plants and other activities continue. To help residents protect their health now and in the future when drivers take to the streets again, Clean Air Partners is turning to social media to promote these simple tips that reduce pollution and save money:

• When air quality is unhealthy, limit outdoor activity especially for sensitive groups.
• As it warms up, set your thermostat a few degrees higher to cut back on air conditioning and use a fan to keep cool.
• Use caulk/weather stripping to weatherproof your home and change heating and air conditioning filters every month.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFLs or LED bulbs.
• Use power strips to reduce electricity use by shutting down power to devices in standby mode.
• Keep driving to a minimum. Telework, limit trips. Fill up your gas tank during evening hours.
• Postpone mowing and trimming on poor air quality days or use electric garden equipment.

Besides air quality tips for adults, Clean Air Partners offers free online activities for children ages 5 to 15 to learn about the importance of clean air at http://www.cleanairpartners.net/air-quality-awareness-week. The Clean Air Partners Air Quality app also has more ways to improve air quality in the Metro region, protect your health and improve the environment.

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Clean Air Partners is a public-private partnership educating the greater metropolitan Baltimore-Washington region about health risks associated with poor air quality and the impacts everyday actions have on the environment. Since 1997, Clean Air Partners has been dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to take simple actions to reduce air pollution, protect public health, and improve air quality.

www.cleanairpartners.net