What Health Experts Want Gen Z To Know About The Long-Term Effects Of Poor Air Quality

Climate change has always been at the forefront of Gen Zers’ minds, with climate change and eco-anxiety having a direct impact on mental health. If you’re one of the many with eco-anxiety you may be wondering why the sky has had a strange yellow tint for the last 24 hours. 

It’s no surprise that the recent smoke covering the east coast from Canada’s wildfires has caused panic. For years, everyone on the East Coast — myself included — has watched from afar as other states like California, which had record-setting wildfires in 2020, dealt with the repercussions. 

As someone who constantly fixates on preparing for the worst, I had no idea what to do when I looked up on June 7 and saw my yellow sky. On June 8, New York City was ranked number one in air quality and pollution city ranking with an index of 174, according to IAQir. 

Although the air is labeled as being generally unhealthy along the east coast, those who are described as being most susceptible to low air quality are children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

While Gen Z might not be included in these demographics, experts say we should still be wary of possible long-term effects of low air quality. I spoke to Dr. James Walker, Caleb Backe — a health expert at Maple Hostilics —, and Brian Clark — founder of United Medical Foundation — to learn more about Gen Z’s relationship with poor air quality, and how we can prioritize our health before it’s too late.

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The air quality in #NewYorkCity was the worst in the world as of 3 p.m. ET, according to an air quality tracking service, with the state extending its air quality health advisory to June 8.

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Excessive exposure should be avoided regardless of where you work

For anyone with climate change anxiety, it seems impossible to completely avoid time spent outside right now. You will need to go outside at some point in your daily routine, whether it’s for walking your dog or taking in garbage cans. 

“There is no specific time limit that universally defines ‘too much’ time spent outside,” says Walker. “However, it is advisable to balance outdoor activities with precautions and awareness of environmental conditions. Factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and personal health conditions should be taken into consideration.”

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible for Gen Z to avoid being outside, as young people have always been vital in filling summer positions that take place or involve the outdoors. 

However, young people should be encouraged to take necessary precautions like proper sun protection, hydration, and being generally aware of environmental conditions, says Backe. “It’s crucial to balance the benefits of outdoor activities with the potential risks,” adds Backe. “Additionally, employers and supervisors should provide guidance, training, and support to help maintain a healthy and safe working environment.”

Additionally, GenZers should re-embrace masking, specifically N95, KN95, and FFP2 masks as they can filter out 95% of the particles when worn properly, Time Magazine reported. 

There are long-term effects of being exposed to poor air quality, even for younger folks.

During the wildfire season, fine particles from the soot, ash, and dust can fill the air and have mild, moderate, or severe effects, the New York Times reported. 

The possible effects depend on factors like exposure level, susceptibility, and pollutant type. Backe says, “Moderate effects may involve worsened symptoms for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions and reduced lung function.” The mild effects are often short-term and include eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. 

“Extended time spent outside during low air quality conditions can have both mild and severe effects on college-aged individuals,” Clark says. 

There are specific symptoms that Gen Zers should be looking out for, like chronic cough, persistent respiratory problems, frequent infections, reduced lung function, and the development or worsening of asthma or other respiratory diseases, Clark added. 

Gen Zers should also take note of symptoms related to cardiovascular issues like chest pain or palpitations. If you think you may be experiencing any long-term symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention and be observant. 

However, not all hope is lost.

Regardless of whether you feel mild or severe symptoms or none at all, it’s essential to remain aware of what’s happening in the environment. 

In general, Gen Z should stay informed about their city’s local conditions and announcements and should try and stay indoors until the air quality returns to normal. If you are going outside, it’s important to wear protective gear, like an N95 mask, and limit exposure to highly-polluted areas. 

“It’s worth mentioning that staying informed about local air quality conditions, following guidelines and recommendations from health authorities, and being proactive in taking care of one’s health are essential for minimizing the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to low air quality,” Clark added. “Additionally, seeking professional advice from healthcare providers and occupational health experts can provide personalized guidance based on specific job requirements and individual health conditions.”

Although most news coverage points toward immunocompromised people and different age demographics, Gen Zers should still be paying close attention to their local air quality index and any symptoms they may feel. The simplest things we can do is check our weather apps for the index, stay indoors, and wear the appropriate masks when traveling outside.

• Canadian Wildfires
• climate change
• health
• wellness