Shared Stories
We all have a reason to fight for clean air. Check out some personal stories below that highlight the need for healthy, safe air, and click here to submit your own.
I have COPD and secondary pulmonary hypertension and have been bothered by smoke from both wildfires and planned burns recently. The planned burns were done on windy days--not too smart. Also, in my class at pulmonary rehab, we were told not to exercise outdoors. That's pretty sorry state of affairs, wouldn't you say? Read more...
— Patricia, FL
I had acute sinusitis a few weeks ago and allergies and it's seriously affecting my health. I live in Jersey City, NJ, and I just travelled to Atlantic City, NJ and came home again with sinus problems. We need clean air in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. Read more...
— Luz Jeannette, NJ
I have had asthma my entire life. Most days I can't even go outside because it is either too humid or there is too much pollen. There's no telling what else is out there that I don't know about. I love being outside! I love planting a garden, enjoying the flowers and playing with my grandson outside. It is so very unfair to not be able to do things that other people take for granted! I think clean air is extremely important! Read more...
— Sandra, TN
As everyone is opening their windows and venturing outside in their shorts and t-shirts, we close up shop here on the home front. By that I mean, we have to keep the windows and screen doors to our home shut. As an added precaution, we also need to keep the door to my son’s room closed to deter dust from other parts of the home from entering his sleeping space. Read more...
— Lori , MA
As an allergist, I have seen firsthand how badly people with asthma and allergies are suffering this spring. The mild winter here in Chicago has led to an early spring with unusually high volumes of tree pollen blowing in from Southern states. Weeds that typically do not grow this time of year are also in full bloom. This double whammy of potent allergen triggers has caused great suffering among my patients and others here in the Midwest. Read more...
— Joseph, IL
I am a lung cancer survivor who had surgery and treatment one year ago. On behalf of all the cancer survivors who reside in Los Angeles County, I am hoping that our air will become much more healthful. Survival is difficult enough without environmental dangers. Read more...
— Judy, CA
My three oldest children (9, 7 and 5 years), as well as my wife, all have asthma. It is sad that our government representatives as well as the wealthy business executives over the Houston oil refineries choose profits over doing the right thing for people. Read more...
— Martin, TX
My wife and I live downwind from the Conoco-Phillips Rodeo CA refinery. This refinery has a checkered past including a serious incident in the 1990's in which it polluted the air with a dangerous cancer causing chemical known as catacarb. Read more...
— Frederic, CA
My father smoked while I was growing up in the house, in the car, at the dinner table, and in my bedroom! It always took my breath! My husband did the same. I have never smoked, but I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in the '80's. Read more...
— EllaDean, TN
I think being able to breathe in clean air whenever we are outside is important for us to stay healthy. All sorts of medical problems can arise if we don't get enough clean air and oxygen. Plus, the world around us looks prettier when the air quality is better. Read more...
— Stephanie, CA
