Avoiding Air Pollution: Health Tip

Air pollution often is a mixture of gases from man-made sources, such as smoke, vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Air pollution can increase the risk of serious illness, from respiratory infections to lung cancer.

To help protect yourself from air pollution, the agency suggests:

• Know when air quality is unhealthy.
• Protect yourself while driving. Close your windows in traffic.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants, such as wood smoke, vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke.

To help improve the air quality in your area, the agency encourages you to drive less, plant trees and use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment.