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'State of the Air'

Staten Island has the highest levels of smog among the city's five boroughs, according to the American Lung Association's 2018 "State of the Air" report.

Ozone pollution, commonly known as smog, has increased across the country from last year.

New York City is the 10th most ozone-polluted city in the country. The report gave Fs to the whole city and Staten Island in ozone pollution.

"If you live in Richmond County, the air you breathe may put your health at risk," the American Lung Association's website states.

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You can protect yourself from air pollution

While all air pollution isn't avoidable, there are steps you can take to significantly reduce the amount of air pollution you come in to contact with on a daily bases, as well as the amount of air pollution you emit into the air.

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Check the weather forecast

It's as simple as turning on the TV and checking the daily weather forecast.

Don't have time to watch the news? Many phone weather apps include air pollution forecasts in their daily weather reports. The American Lung Association's State of the Air app also offers detailed information about the day's air pollution.

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Keep your windows closed

Do you live close to a highway or a busy residential street? Keep your windows closed to lessen the amount of air pollution that makes its way into your home.

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Unnecessary electricity causes air pollution

Did you know that electricity creates air pollution?

Using less electricity reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses that are emitted into the air, improves air quality and using less electricity saves you money. The American Lung Association recommends keeping the thermostat and a set temperature and using additional blankets to keep yourself warm in the winter months instead of cranking up the heat.

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Exercise, play indoors when pollution is high

The American Lung Association recommends moving your outdoor exercise routine indoors on days of high pollution.

They also recommend limiting the amount of time children play outdoors when there is poor air quality.

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Run near parks, not roads

The American Lung Association recommends moving your outdoor exercise routine indoors on days of high pollution.

They also recommend limiting the amount of time children play outdoors when there is poor air quality.

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You can reduce air pollution

There are a number of small steps you can take every day that can help reduce the amount of air pollution you emit.

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Trash, firewood are biggest causes of particle pollution

According to the American Lung Association, burning firewood is one of the largest causes of particle pollution in parts of the country. Wood smoke can cause wheezing, coughing, asthma and heart attacks, lung cancer other health effects.

When wood burns, it emits particle pollution, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and climate change pollution.

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Carpooling and transportation alternatives

Do you live close to your job? Walk or bike to work. If you're not close enough, see if your coworkers would go in on a carpool system. Joining a carpool helps lessen the number of cars on the road and ultimately lessens the amount of exhaust fumes being emitted.

Public transportation like subways, trains, buses, ferries and light rail systems are other alternatives to driving.

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Don't idle your car

Idling cars, trucks and buses emits tons of exhaust into the air that people walking by directly inhale. Instead of idling your car, turn it off!

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Want to know the pollution level?

If you're wondering what the amount of particle pollution is inside, or even outside, of your home, there are a number of air quality monitors you can purchase for your home. If the particle pollution is higher than average, take steps to reduce the amount of emissions in your house and track the changes.