Wood smoke contains wood tars, gases, and soot, as well as chemicals like carbon monoxide, dioxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particles. People who frequently breathe wood smoke are at risk for serious adverse health effects. The MPCA works to reduce emissions from all sources of air pollution, especially striving to reduce exposures in overburdened communities and work toward environmental justice. people who spend a lot of time near busy roadways.people working in occupations where there is high exposure to contaminated air.people who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke.people in poverty people who lack access to health care.people with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Populations most at risk of health problems related to air pollution: The asthma hospitalization rate among Twin Cities children is more than 50% higher than among children living in Greater Minnesota. Minnesota also has significant disparities in asthma prevalence by race/ethnicity. Data from the Minnesota Department of Health show disparities in heart and lung disease by age, race/ethnicity, income level, and geography. Many studies show that low-income communities and minority populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to adverse health impacts. People’s health risks from air pollution vary widely depending on age, location, underlying health, and other factors. Air pollution also increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, and more severely affects people who are already ill. For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema or chronic bronchitis), air pollution can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing. No matter where you live, you can be exposed to air pollution from vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fueled yard equipment, chemicals we use in our homes, and other sources.īoth short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems. However, even levels of air pollution below the standards can affect people’s health, including levels currently found in parts of Minnesota. Minnesota’s air currently meets all federal air quality standards. When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death. Exposure to air pollution can affect everyone’s health.
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