May is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a national epidemic, affecting nearly 26 million people, including seven million children and disproportionally affecting low income and minority communities.  As a part of Asthma Awareness Month, the Cook County Department of Environmental Control wants to encourage all County residents to do their part to reduce air pollution.  Everyone benefits from cleaner air, but its particularly important for those with Asthma who are among the most vulnerable from exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution.  You can learn more about how you can decrease air pollution from Partners for Clean Air .

Cook County residents that are sensitive to air pollution are encouraged to check the Illinois EPA's Air Quality Index each day.  Air quality monitoring is one of the key functions of the Department of Environmental Control.  Monitoring sites are set up throughout the County and our laboratory in Maywood analyzes the samples from these monitors to contribute data  to the Illinois Air Monitoring System.

For more information about Asthma, visit the American Lung Association.