Clean, fresh air is celebrated every time we take a deep breath. However, it’s actually recognized in the month of May, Happy Clean Air month!
This month has been recognized since 1972 and sponsored by the American Lung Association (ALA) to educate people about the impact of air quality on our lives. Initially, the campaign only lasted a week but expanded into a whole month in 1994. The national month was also meant to celebrate the Clean Air Act that passed legislation in 1970.
Did you know that more than 40% of Americans are living with unhealthy air, according to the ALA? Poor air quality can lead to many health problems such as cancer, bronchitis, allergies, and asthma.
A huge contributor to poor air quality is pollution. Air pollution can impact children and adults in the following ways:
- Wheezing/coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma attacks
- Worsening COPD
- Lung cancer
- Premature death
- Susceptibility to infections
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Metabolic disorders
- Preterm births and low birth weight
Take these steps to help reduce air pollution and breathe easy:
- Take the pledge to stand up for clean air
- Engage on social media and help spread awareness
- Donate to the ALA to help fight for clean air
- Bike to work or carpool to reduce your carbon footprint
- Buy electric
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying products for your home or office
- Conserve energy whenever possible
- Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
- Avoid burning trash or leaves
As an Earth Charter Partner, we at Medcom Benefit Solutions are constantly working to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Check out the resources on the ALA website to find out what you can do to Stand Up for Clean Air.
