Lindsay H., NJ

I was diagnosed with asthma this year at age 33. I discovered that ozone and air particulates are significant triggers for me. I was surprised and disappointed to realize how many days I couldn’t go outdoors due to elevated ozone or particulate levels—over half the days in July and August. These are supposed to be times when we all get to enjoy being outside! I couldn’t help but think about how kids with asthma might feel, potentially stuck indoors for more than half the summer.

During October, November, and December, the AQI was moderate about one-third of the days I tracked. So far, I’ve only been monitoring these months. I used AQI data for North Central NJ (I live in Randolph).

If I’m looking out the window wistfully for one-third to half of the days, I can’t imagine how children cope. No wonder so many kids are developing asthma in recent years—the best days to play outside often coincide with the worst air quality.

One additional note: I live in an apartment with a built-in A/C and fan unit. The air filter is not HEPA, so on hot summer days with elevated ozone or particulate levels, these pollutants likely enter the apartment through the A/C or fan. This must also affect so many children.