America’s Air Quality is Poor, and It’s Harming Babies: What You Need to Know

The American Lung Association (ALA) released its annual “State of the Air” report, highlighting the impact of poor air quality on children before birth. 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, as well as developing preeclampsia.

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 provide valuable information for individuals looking to better understand their local air quality. Experts also offer tips on staying safe during poor air quality days, such as avoiding strenuous activities and staying indoors with doors and windows closed when possible. For more information on the ALA’s report, visit their website today.