Downwind Exposure to Air Pollution Assessment and Monitoring

Every year exposure to outdoor air pollution causes almost 4.2 million deaths. Indoor air pollution is one of the leading causes of premature death in the developing world.

This is one of the significant effects of long-term downwind exposure to air pollution. Unfortunately, the air 99% of the world’s population breathes every day contains high levels of contaminants that exceed the World Health Organization’s global air quality guidelines.

Ensuring that you and your employees are part of the 1% exposed to clean air may seem impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. Managing your exposure to these pollutants starts with air monitoring. Part of this entails doing an exposure assessment. Read on to learn more.

Effects of Long-Term Downwind Exposure to Air Pollution

Long-term exposure to pollutants in the air can have many effects. Some you may not be aware of. Some of the more obvious ones include:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Asthma attacks
• Worsening Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer

Exposure to pollutants in the air can also increase a person’s susceptibility to illnesses. It can lead to the impairment of cognitive functions and metabolic disorders. Long-term exposure can be responsible for strokes and heart attacks. Pregnant women may also experience preterm births as a result. They may also deliver babies with low birth weights.

These are just a few effects. But it should be more than enough to heighten your awareness. Ensuring the air quality in your organization or business is safe is critical. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the air quality.

Ways to Manage Exposure to Air Pollution

Exposure to pollutants can start in your home. You might also be just as vulnerable when going outside. Further exposure can then occur at your workplace. Air monitoring is the first step in preventing this. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors outdoor air quality. They use an Air Quality Index that measures the degree of air pollution. The EPA will often alert residents if the AQI is 100 or higher. At these levels, they consider the air unhealthy.

When it comes to your residential or commercial property, Atlantic Environmental Incorporated can help. We can conduct indoor air quality testing, surveys and assessments. First, our exposure assessment can help determine air contamination levels. Second, we discuss the next necessary steps to safeguard yourself, employees, customers and others to get you on your way to healthy and safe air quality.

Clean Air, Healthy Life

The last thing on your mind may be the air quality you breathe. However, it should be something that you’re always aware of. It could be the difference between life and death.

Controlling outdoor air quality can be challenging; while EPA testing is being done, there may also be a need for soil and groundwater testing and assessments. However, a professional environmental consulting and contracting company can quickly test, survey, and assess air quality, ensuring safety. In addition, as an employer, it’s essential to know the effects of long-term downwind exposure to air pollution. This is even more crucial if you use certain chemicals to manufacture your products.

Downwind Exposure Assessment

Air testing and monitoring services should be regularly scheduled. Again, it’s best to find a company experienced in surveying air quality and exposure assessment.

Atlantic Environmental is a professional, knowledgeable and experienced company specializing in testing, prevention, and maintenance of indoor air quality. Our exposure assessment services will ensure your space is safe for all. Contact Atlantic Environmental today! We service NJ, NY, PA, CT, DE and GA.

To learn more about indoor air quality freely browse our IAQ news and technical blog articles. Below we list just a few of the many we offer.

Prevent Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Problems Through Regular Inspection and Testing of the Building’s Environment
Poor Indoor Air Quality in my office
Everyone Is Sick-Is It the Office Air Quality?
Mold Control Information! Control Water-Control Mold
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Surveys in High-Rise Buildings