Breathing Easier: The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Children’s Health and Mecklenburg County’s Improvement in the ‘State of the Air’ Report

Poor air quality has a significant impact on children before birth, according to the annual “State of the Air” report released by the American Lung Association (ALA). Dr. Aaron Levy at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte emphasized that women exposed to higher levels of poor air quality are at a greater risk of having premature and low birth weight babies. Additionally, poor air quality can lead to conditions like preeclampsia in mothers.

Mecklenburg County received a “C” grade in the report, marking a significant improvement from previous years. The county had three high ozone days between 2020-22, down from nearly four days per year in the previous report. One instance of poor air quality in the county occurred last summer due to smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting south.

Exposure to poor air quality can make individuals more vulnerable to conditions like asthma, chronic illnesses, and weakened immune systems. Researchers stress the importance of monitoring air quality levels and limiting outdoor time during air quality alerts to protect health.

The ALA’s report includes city and state report cards that offer valuable insights into the impact of poor air quality on different communities across the United States. Experts also offer tips on staying safe during poor air quality days, such as avoiding outdoor activities and using public transportation whenever possible. It is essential for individuals to take action to protect their health and that of their loved ones by being aware of their surroundings and taking steps to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.