Although air pollution is potentially dangerous to many people, steps can be taken to reduce exposure to both indoor and outdoor pollutants.

Those affected by air pollution should make a habit of checking the Air Quality Index, a daily measurement of air-quality levels reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can be found at the department's Web site. Daily air quality data is also included in many local television and radio weather reports, as well as in newspapers. Five major pollutants are tracked:

• Ground-level ozone
• Particle pollution (particulate matter)
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide

Air quality for each pollutant is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with various scores corresponding to a color that represents a level ranging from “good” to “hazardous.” Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy for those sensitive to pollution, including asthmatics and allergy sufferers. People sensitive to pollution should take the following precautions when air quality is poor:

• Limit time outdoors
• Reduce activity level
• Avoid using oil-based paints and solvents

Other general tips for those suffering from pollution illnesses include:

• Try to limit exercise or other strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or late evening, when air pollution levels tend to be lowest.
  
  
• Avoid exercising near busy roads or during rush hour, when pollution levels can be as much as 10 times higher than normal. Exercise involves deep inhalation, which brings pollutants more deeply into the lungs. Also, people tend to breathe through the mouth when exercising. Therefore, pollution in incoming air is not filtered the way it is when breathing through the nose.
  
  
• Reduce exposure to particle pollution by not allowing people to smoke in your home or car.
  
  
• Vent all gas or other combustion appliances directly to the outdoors.
  
  
• Do not burn wood or trash. 
  
  
• Do not use a gas stove or wood-burning stove to heat a home.
  
  
• Properly store and discard household paints, solvents and pesticides. These should be sealed in airtight containers.
  
  
• Use HEPA filters to capture airborne particles and common allergens in the home.
  
  
• Take steps to contribute to a less polluted environment. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation. Filling up gas tanks after dark, when gas vapors will not be able to react with sunlight, is also beneficial.
  
  
• Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment.