Patient Education Tools for Particle Pollution
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Adobe PDF files on this page. See EPA's PDF page for more information about getting and using the free Acrobat Reader.
Air Quality Guide to Particle Pollution(PDF)(2pp, 68 KB): This guide provides information about ways your patients can protect their health when particle pollution levels reach the unhealthy range and ways to help reduce particle air pollution.
Air Quality Index - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health (PDF) (12pp, 333 KB) : This booklet explains EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) and the health effects of major air pollutants.
AQI Forecasts: Your Advance Notification About Unhealthy Air (PDF)(2pp, 3 MB) : This brochure explains how to use the Air Quality Index and how high levels of ozone and particle matter can affect your health. Learn where this pollution comes from and what you can do to protect yourself when air quality is poor.
Effects of Common Air Pollutants Medical Poster: This colorful poster is designed for use in patient waiting areas or exam rooms to educate your patients about the health effects of air pollution on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
8.5x11" standard version (PDF) (1pg, 788 KB)
18x24" poster-size version (PDF) (1pg, 7.7 MB)
Heart Disease, Stroke, and Outdoor Air Pollution (PDF)(2pp, 438 KB): A fact sheet to increase awareness that air pollution can trigger heart attacks, stroke, and other health effects. It provides information about steps to take to protect your health – including using the Air Quality Index to reduce exposure. It also lists the warning signs for heart attack and stroke. Print it directly from the Web to give to your patients.
Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution (PDF)(2pp, 499 KB): A fact sheet to increase awareness that air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and can trigger attacks in people with asthma. It also includes steps to take to protect health and reduce exposure.
Fires and Your Health: It's important to limit your exposure to smoke - especially if you may be susceptible. This webpage provides steps you can take to protect your health.
Burn Wise Tip Sheet (PDF) (1pg, 65 K): With proper burning techniques and well-seasoned wood, emissions from wood-burning appliances can be significantly reduced.
EnviroFlash: A free email and cell phone notification service that gives your patients up-to-date, local air quality information. Sign up on EPA's EnviroFlash website.
The AirNow Mobile App provides your patients with real-time air quality information that they can use to protect their health when planning their day. They can get location-specific reports on current air quality and air quality forecasts for both fine particle pollution and ozone.
Why is Coco Orange? (HTML): A picture book to educate children about the Air Quality Index and how to stay healthy when the air quality is bad. Ages 4-8.
Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools (PDF)(2pp, 266 KB): This guidance can help protect the health of all children, including teenagers, who are more sensitive than adults to the effects of air pollution.
Some of these publications are available En español
Additional Links:
EPA's Asthma Website provides a variety of resources and educational tools to help parents and children learn about asthma triggers and manage their health. Most materials are offered in English and Spanish.
More publications are available on the AirNow Website.