![]() ![]() ![]() Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience these symptoms. Symptoms that may indicate a serious heart problem include: Chest discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back), discomfort in other areas of the upper body (pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach), shortness of breath, or other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.Do not assume that you are safe just because you do not have symptoms. If you have heart or vascular disease, particle exposure can cause serious problems – including worsening of your disease – in a short period of time.In the event of an emergency, anywhere in the U.S., dial 911. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. If you have any of these symptoms, reduce your exposure to particles and follow your doctor's advice. Make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. If you have lung disease – including asthma and COPD – you may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as normal, and you may experience coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue. ![]() These symptoms should go away when air quality improves. Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat coughing phlegm chest tightness and shortness of breath.How can I tell if particle pollution is affecting me? If you are healthy, begin taking steps when air pollution reaches the “unhealthy” category. Air quality is unhealthy for you when particle pollution levels reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range, so you will need to take steps to reduce your exposure earlier and more often. If you are in an at-risk group, don’t wait until pollution reaches the “hazardous” category to take action to reduce your exposure.When PM2.5 concentrations are high for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. If you are in an at-risk group, if you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor in advance about when and whether you should leave the area or move to a location with better indoor air quality.In addition, children are more likely than adults to have asthma, which increases their risk. They are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution, because their airways are still developing. Why are children more at risk? Children are more likely to be exposed to air pollution, because they often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.This group also includes older adults, because they are more likely to have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease, along with people with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Not sure if the heart disease category applies to you? People with heart disease includes all people with known coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, history of angina and/or heart attack, stent placement, by-pass operation, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, peripheral vascular disease, history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or cerebrovascular disease.People most at risk from particle pollution exposure include those with heart or lung disease (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), older adults, and children. Research indicates that pregnant women, newborns, and people with certain health conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, also may be more susceptible to PM-related effects. Some people are at higher risk from PM2.5 exposure. Everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves when pollution levels are “hazardous” and above.Who needs to take steps to reduce exposure when PM2.5 levels are “hazardous” on the AQI? Read on for more information on steps to help reduce your exposure to short episodes of high levels of PM2.5. Staying indoors – in a room or building with filtered air – and reducing your activity levels are the best ways to reduce the amount of particle pollution you breathe into your lungs.Everyone should take steps to reduce their exposure when particle pollution levels are in this range. Pollution is hazardous at these levels. ![]()
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