What is Air Quality?
In this series, we’ll explore four essential topics to help you better understand air quality and why it’s critical to know what you’re breathing — especially when pollution levels are high.
The four focus areas are:
- Air Pollution
Learn how air pollution and climate change are connected, and how they impact our environment and health. - Protecting Yourself from Air Pollution
Discover practical ways to reduce your exposure and stay safe during poor air quality days. - Mental Health
Explore the link between clean indoor air, mental well-being, and how certain plants—like snake plants—can help improve both. - From Awareness to Action
Find out how you can take meaningful steps in your school and community to advocate for cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Why Does Air Quality Matter?
The air around us has a direct impact on our physical and mental health. Poor air quality, often called “bad air,” can cause everything from:
- Eye and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Anxiety and stress
- Breathing problems
To more serious, long-term health risks like:
- Asthma
- Lung and heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Even memory loss and cognitive decline
Air quality plays a huge role in daily lives…espeicially to our health.
Did you know the average person takes around 25,000 breaths every single day?
Yet, according to the American Lung Association, nearly half of all people in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy air due to pollution.
That’s why this lesson series is here — to help you recognize the risks, understand the causes, and take action to protect yourself and your community.
Time to Reflect
Pause for a moment and ask yourself:
How is the air where you live?
What about your neighborhood, or your school?
Do you know how to tell if the air is clean or polluted?
What You’ll Learn in This Series
In the next few lessons, we’ll break it down:
- What is air pollution?
- What causes it?
- How does it impact health and the environment?
- What can YOU do to make a difference?
You’ll also get a pop quiz after each lesson — complete it and turn it in to your instructor for credit!
Let’s Get Started
It’s time to breathe clean and live healthy — and it starts with knowledge.
Breathe Healthy. Live Strong.