6/1/2010
 It’s summertime and the outdoors beckon—especially for new dads who can’t wait for that stroll in the park or a first dip in the pool with their little one! The grass is greener, the days are longer, and the air—well, kinda smoggy some days here in Atlanta. So dads, listen up!
Air pollution can cause coughing, burning eyes, and tightness in the chest. For children, problems are likely to be worse if they have asthma.
Air pollution is made up of gases, droplets, and particles that reduce the quality of the air. Some causes of air pollution are cars, buses, airplanes, factories, mines, power plants, construction, dust, and smoke. In cities like Atlanta, with a population of 5.2 million and lots of traffic congestion, air pollution increases when the air is still, the sun is bright, and the temperature is warm.
Sign up for carpooling and teleworking rewards along with smog alerts at cleanaircampaign.org.
Keep your child indoors if the levels are dangerous. If you must take your baby out on these days, do so early in the morning or after sunset.
If you know you live close to a source of air pollution or if your baby has a heart or lung problem (including asthma), ask your child’s healthcare provider how to protect him from air pollution.
Everything you buy has an effect on the environment. When you buy products that use less energy and last longer than others, you pollute the air less.
• Buy Energy Star products, including cars, appliances, and houses. They are environmentally friendly and have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, visit the Energy
Star website.
• Buy efficient cars and trucks that pollute as little as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency has a vehicle emissions guide.
• Recycle paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, and aluminum. Use recycled products.
• Use compact, energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Turn off appliances and lights when you leave a room.
• Plant trees around your house. They provide shade in the summer and during the winter, after the leaves have fallen from the trees, more light can get into your house and help to keep it warm.
• Properly dispose of paints, pesticides, and solvents. (Examples of solvents are turpentine, paint thinners, and grease removers.) Your local health department or environmental agency can tell you how to do this. Store these products in airtight containers.
• Keep air conditioning units, heaters, furnaces, wood stoves, and fireplaces in good working order.
• Use less heating and air conditioning. Turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer.
• Insulate your home, water heater, and pipes.
Happy Father’s Day!
Source: marchofdimes.com
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