CDC and the US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, are stressing that poor air quality

should be everyone's concern. I'm Miranda Savioli with your latest health news.

Two air quality factors that can affect health are particle pollution- tiny pieces of matter

like dust, smoke, soot and liquid that are in the air- and ground-level ozone, also called

smog. Particle pollution is a risk factor for those with heart disease, while ozone

can cause breathing problems, even among those without lung conditions. Developing kids and

teens may be more susceptible to pollution, but older adults may also face an increased

risk of harm.

The EPA's Air Quality Index provides warnings when pollution levels are likely harmful,

and the CDC and EPA stress that by using this index and planning accordingly, excessive

exposure to air pollution can be avoided.