How does air quality affect asthma and allergies?

Breathing polluted air can impact everyone’s health and has an even greater effect on people with asthma and/or respiratory allergies.

Air pollution can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms and cause these symptoms to worsen. A 2008 study on the effects of air pollution on children with asthma showed that breathing polluted air caused lung problems, more school absences and more asthma symptoms.

Watch the first short video of “Making a Difference: Air Quality and Your Health”. It explains common air pollutants and where they come from. This series was produced by the BC Lung Association, Environment Canada, Health Canada and other partners.

Short term exposure to air pollutants can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms, cause respiratory inflammation and irritation, and reduce lung function.