Common air pollutants carry dangerous health effects. Air pollution triggers asthma episodes, sends people to hospitals, shapes how kids' lungs develop and can even be deadly. Learn the causes, the impacts and what you can do.
What Makes Outdoor Air Unhealthy?
Learn about common outdoor air pollutants and the sources of outdoor air pollution and how they can be cleaned up so everyone can breathe safer, healthier air.
Who Is at Risk?
Someone in every family is likely to be at risk from air pollution. Does someone you love belong to one of these vulnerable groups?
Air Quality Index
Ever hear your local weather forecaster say that tomorrow will be a "code orange" day for air pollution? That's the Air Quality Index (AQI) at work. The AQI is the system used to warn the public when air pollution levels are dangerous. Learn more.
What Can We Do to Fight Air Pollution?
You can reduce dirty air's harmful impact on yourself and your family. Here are some tips to minimize your exposure to dangerous air pollutants. The more information you have, the healthier you can be.
Page last updated: July 18, 2025
