Blog
The Hidden Toll of Wildfires: A Crisis Beyond the Flames
Wildfires are among the most dramatic and destructive events of our time—burning homes, displacing communities, and reshaping entire landscapes. But beyond the visible devastation, a quieter and more insidious crisis is unfolding. As the climate warms and wildfires become more...
Feeling Sick: Is It a Summer Cold or Wildfire Smoke?
It’s summer—the season of sunshine, fresh air, and… coughing? Sneezing? A sore throat? If you’re feeling under the weather in June or July, you’re not alone. But is it just a harmless summer cold—or could it be wildfire smoke? With...
E-Cigarettes Linked to COPD and Hypertension
Austin Air has been sounding the alarm on e-cigarettes for more than a decade. Now, new data—and a landmark Supreme Court decision—confirm what we warned about back in 2015: e-cigarette use is not without health risks, especially for youth and...
Air Quality Alert in the Midwest and Canadian Prairies
Updated: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2 PM (EST) Smoke from extensive wildfires in Canada—especially in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta—continues to drift southward, combining with regional fires in Minnesota, creating dangerous air quality conditions across parts of the Upper Midwest...
Air Quality Alert in Midwest Due to Canadian Wildfires
Smoke from over 160 out-of-control wildfires in Canada is drifting into the Upper Midwest, triggering air quality alerts across Michigan and surrounding states. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity and take precautions to protect their health. As of Friday,...
Reframing Disability and Highlighting the Role of Clean Air
Today, December 3, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Disability is often seen as something that happens to a small, specific group of people. In reality, most of us will experience a form of disability at some point in...
How to Spot Dirty Air in Your Home: Key Signs and Solutions
How to Spot Dirty Air in Your Home: Key Signs and Solutions While we often think of air pollution as something happening outdoors, indoor air is often even more contaminated – sometimes 100x more polluted!1 But how do you know...
Burn Smart: Safeguard Respiratory Health Around Bonfires
As we approach Memorial Day, the unofficial kickoff to summer 2024, many of us are eagerly anticipating outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and, of course, cozy bonfires under the starry night sky. While bonfires are a beloved summer tradition, they also pose...
Stroke Awareness: Air Quality Tied to Risk
May is here, bringing the vibrant blooms of spring and a vital reminder: it’s National Stroke Awareness Month in the United States (a.k.a. American Stroke Month). Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the US and a...