For many of us, spring time is more than just the hint of better weather on the horizon and an end to the bitter chill of winter. It's also the promise of a fresh start and new beginnings, too. Even if you're a fan of the cooler months, most of us can readily agree that the seemingly-unending ice and snow can get tedious after a while, and seeing more sunshine and balmy days is always a welcome change. 

As the season starts to transition into the warmer months, it can understandably be tempting to want to throw open your windows and let a little fresh air circulate throughout your residence. After all, nothing compares to the crisp, clean scent of spring wafting through your home, and trading out the damp mustiness of your house for the cool breeze of spring can be almost transformative. 

However, before you start prying open your windows and drawing deep breaths of that seemingly-pleasant air into your lungs, there is something fairly important you need to keep in mind. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), the warmer months are also some of the worst when it comes to overall air quality. A nasty combination of elevated ozone levels and pollen can make this time of the year downright miserable - and even dangerous - if you find yourself exposed to them. 

That said, if you're wanting to make the most out of this season, you don't have to let a poor outdoor air quality index (AQI) hold you back. By focusing on minimizing the dangers of air pollution in the world around you, as well as taking a few necessary precautions before you venture outdoors on poor AQI days, you can help ensure that this spring is both enjoyable and safe for yourself and your loved ones! 

What Is Air Pollution, and What Causes It?

The concept of air pollution can seem like one of those mysterious and ominous terms with no real set definition to it. Most of us are acutely aware of what air pollution is and the harm that it can cause to us and our environment, even if we're unsure if we've actually experienced it firsthand. From a thick layer of smog enshrouding a bustling city to acid rain seeping into our groundwater, though, the dangers of these threats aren't lost on us. 

That said, air pollution is more than just these extreme examples. Furthermore, it isn't just limited to major metropolitan areas, and even more rural parts of the country can be susceptible to it. But what exactly is air pollution? In short, air pollution encompasses essentially all types of contaminants that can be found in the air we breathe. Not only does it include the aforementioned smog, but it's also toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and lead, as well as ozone and pollen. 

There are also several causes of air pollution, but it's largely a byproduct of energy production. Whether we're burning fuel to keep our homes warm or we're using it to get from Point A to Point B in our cars, there's no one single thing that can be blamed for air pollution. Humankind isn't solely responsible for it, either. We already know how pollen can contribute to it and even farm animals, which release methane gas as a byproduct of digestion, can elevate the levels of air pollution. 

The Dangers of Air Pollution

Sadly, nearly 90 percent of urban populations are exposed to levels of air pollution that exceed safe guidelines, and the harm it can cause is significant. Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts to help improve the air quality across the country, it still continues to decline and is showing little sign of improving. While trace exposure to air pollution might not be immediately harmful, its cumulate effects can be quite severe - and even possibly lethal.

For instance, repeated exposure to air pollution has been shown to lead to a myriad of medical conditions that can affect the lungs, such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollution has also been linked to several different types of cancer, and it can also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well. This year alone, it'll claim more than 60,000 lives in the United States.

How to Stay Safe

Fortunately, staying safe from air pollution is much easier than you might think, and it doesn't necessarily require excessive precautions to minimize your risk. One key thing you can do to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to remain mindful of the air quality in your neighborhood. Be sure to check the AQI before you leave your home, and try to make an effort to stay indoors on days where the contaminant levels are higher.

When it comes to keeping your home free from pollutants, there are a few steps you can take. For instance, it's best to avoid using an excessive amount of energy if possible, as this can help reduce your likelihood of inadvertent exposure to air pollution. On hot days, try to cycle your air conditioner, instead of letting it run continuously. And of course, on clean AQI days, don't be afraid to open those windows, either.

Poor air quality can exacerbate allergies in those who are already prone to them, which means that you'll need to be especially careful if you have certain conditions like asthma or allergic rhinitis. If you're uncertain about the air quality in and around your home, and you're concerned that it could be making your health worse, it's not a bad idea to invest in an at-home indoor and outdoor allergens test. They're an affordable way to check for existing contaminants and give you peace of mind.

Ultimately, though, it's important to remember that the AQI is just one factor that plays into your general health. You shouldn't live in fear of air pollution, especially if you live in a lower-risk area or on days that are considered lower risk. By staying alert to the dangers of air pollution, and by taking these necessary strides to keep yourself and your family safe, you can enjoy the spring and the beautiful weather it brings with it - both now and in the years to come!