Air quality and cystic fibrosis

To stay healthy, we need the air we breathe to be clean and free of pollution. This is particularly important for people with CF. Air pollution can make symptoms worse in people with CF and asthma and prevent people from being able to exercise, leading to worse overall health. 

We worked closely with the York Health Economics Consortium to produce a report about air quality and CF. Some of the points in the report are summarised here, along with other information about air pollution.  

What is air pollution?       

Air pollution is all around us. The pollution that can harm our health most is nitrogen dioxide and fine particles commonly linked to traffic pollution. These are tiny solids and liquids that are so small we can’t see or feel them. Because they are so small, they can enter deeper into our lungs. They have a big impact on our health as they can lead to more mucus and inflammation. Because of this, air pollution can be a bigger issue for people with CF as it can make people even more unwell. 

Unfortunately, air pollution is unavoidable. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide 99 out of every 100 people breathe air that is more polluted than WHO safe limits. Air pollution can affect our health in lots of ways. It can make lung conditions worse, cause new ones like COPD, and increase our risks of heart disease and lung cancer. There are lots of small changes we can all make to minimise the impact air pollution has on us, and we’ll cover some on this page.

Levels of air pollution change from day to day and are affected by air temperature, wind, rain and traffic levels. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has a useful map that tracks air pollution across the UK. You can check the forecast and plan ahead. Air pollution can be found indoors and outdoors.

Indoor air pollution

Pollution in our homes and buildings can come from many sources, such as:

• cleaning products and air fresheners
• smoke from candles and incense
• perfumes and spray deodorants, hairspray
• mould
• central heating systems such as forced hot air. Common in North America, these draw in air, heat it and blow it out through vents around the building. 
• fumes from new furniture and building materials
• cigarette smoking or vaping
• cooking – both from the fuels used to cook and the food being cooked. Homes in the UK use safer fuels such as gas, or stoves that don’t burn fuel directly in the home such as electric or induction.  

Outdoor air pollution

Pollution in the air we breathe outside can be caused by lots of things, some of these include:

• burning fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel in our cars, trains and planes; in factories; and power plants
• burning wood or coal in fireplaces, log burners, or bonfires
• farming – spraying crops with fertiliser or pesticides, and gases from farming animals such as ammonia or methane
• natural disasters – wildfires, volcanoes, dust storms 

How does air pollution affect people with CF?

Because many people with CF may already have lower lung function and produce more mucus in the lungs, air pollution can be a bigger risk. Air pollution can increase the risk of developing infections and humidity can increase the risk of infection from Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

Indoor air pollution 

Exposure to second-hand smoke and certain heating systems such forced hot air are linked with poorer clinical outcomes, such as more hospital stays and faster decline in lung function. 

Outdoor pollution 

Higher levels of some outdoor air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, commonly linked to traffic pollution, are linked to a greater risk of flare-ups, a faster fall in lung function, and being more likely to become infected with bacteria that can cause serious infections.

Environmental factors 

Hotter temperatures and higher humidity have been linked with poorer clinical outcomes. These include lower lung function and being more likely to become infected with bacteria that can cause serious infections. People with more advanced lung disease may be more impacted by these issues than those with mild lung disease.

What can I do to look after my health?

There are lots of small ways you can limit the effects of air pollution on your health and reduce your impact on air pollution.

• Ventilate your home well. Good ventilation can include opening doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good. 
• Avoid high traffic areas if you can, take quieter routes or travel at quieter times.
• Walk on the pavement furthest from the road, any extra distance from the road reduces the amount of pollution you are exposed to.
• Walk or cycle rather than taking the car (avoiding high traffic areas) – this not only reduces our own emissions but also reduces exposure to pollution if you can walk or cycle in low emission zones or parks.
• Monitor indoor air quality. There are lots of at home devices, but these do vary in quality and price. 
• Avoid using wood burning stoves. 
• Turn your car engine off when you are waiting in the car.
• Monitor outdoor air quality, and exercise indoors when air quality is poor.
• Try to keep your home warm and dry to prevent mould, and clean mould away, if you do see any. We have more information about housing and damp and mould if you live in rental accommodation. If you are concerned about mould in your home, you can speak with our helpline.
• Avoid using aerosols or spray cleaners.
• Take your medications as prescribed and carry a reliever inhaler with you if you take one.

If you have concerns about air quality and what this means for your cystic fibrosis, speak to your CF team.

Last updated June 2026