Climate Care Kit

Air Pollution

Air pollution and climate change are linked. Many of the sources that worsen air quality also contribute to climate change. The warming climate can increase the number of certain air pollutants, including greenhouse gases, which warms the planet further. Air pollution kills 7 million people each year. Exposure to air pollution can lead to ischemic stroke and heart disease, lung cancer, neurological disorders, pregnancy complications, and other severe health issues. Even short term exposure to poor air quality can have drastic effects on your body depending on the type of pollutant you inhale.

Spotting Air Pollution

It's important to learn how to spot situations where you may be at risk for air pollution. See if you can guess how these day-to-day activities can turn dangerous.

Working out near a busy road

Your morning jog may pass through busy roads, but breathing in the air from highways can lead you to inhaling air pollutants. Adults that live or work near highways (such as traffic police) are at greater risk for cardio-respiratory conditions, among other illnesses. Children that live close to major roads may develop asthma, reduced lung function, or even leukemia.

Cooking using wood or charcoal

The air quality inside your household can be just as dangerous for your health as outdoor air. Burning polluting fuels like wood, charcoal, and kerosene in open fires or inefficient stoves can be worsen the air quality in your home. Household air pollution leads to 3 million deaths each year. In children less than 5 years old, breathing in polluted air at home causes nearly half of all pneumonia deaths.

Going outside without knowing the air quality levels

Although the air outside may look clear, the reality may be very different. You may need to bring a high-filtration mask if the quality is less than ideal. Make sure to check the air quality in your city with the Philippines' air quality-monitoring application before going outside.

Using air conditioning when the air quality outside is poor

If you use a window air conditioner when the air quality outside is bad, it may bring the poor air into your home. If you have this type of air conditioner, see if you can set it to a "fresh air", "ventilation", or "recirculating" setting so that only indoor air is cycled.

Staying Prepared

Making small adjustments to your lifestyle can help you prepare for times of extreme heat. Here are a few things you can start doing today.

Keep your water bottles, umbrellas, and other items to battle extreme heat with you at all times.

Building a Climate Care Kit can keep everything you need together in one place for when you need it.

Our kit builder can show you what you need to build a climate-ready health kit for the first time. Take the first step by learning how to build your kit with us.