What high risk groups should be particularly concerned in protecting their air from harmful contaminants?
Groups most at risk from pollution related illnesses are young children, especially asthmatics, and elderly people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic pulmonary diseases. Over the past 20 years, the number of asthmatics has increased from 6.8 million in 1980 to more than 15 million today. Environmental factors are the most likely explanation in the recent rise in asthma. Increased ozone and particulate levels in the outdoor air are beyond an individuals control. However, most exposures are in the home environment. Cleaning agents, detergents, out-gassing of formal-dehyde from carpets and building materials trigger and aggravate respiratory conditions.
