Respiratory Health and Protection
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The air we breathe can be filled with invisible particles that affect our health, especially for those who are frequently outdoors and face hazardous conditions such as extreme heat, wildfire smoke, mold, dust, and chemicals. As these conditions increase in severity due to extreme weather events, there is an urgent need to strengthen community and occupational respiratory health education.
Take Care with Air! Strategies to Address Community and Occupational Respiratory Health
This video will present a series of free resources created by Migrant Clinicians Network, in collaboration with the Thoracic Foundation, designed to support health educators, community health workers (CHWs), and outreach workers in their educational efforts. We will discuss practical strategies, visual tools, and participatory activities to facilitate effective conversations with outdoor workers and impacted communities.
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify the major respiratory hazards associated with exposure to contaminated air in occupational and community settings, including dust, mold, smoke, chemicals, and extreme heat.
- Explore the use of free educational materials developed by MCN to support respiratory health education and prevention efforts.
- Strengthen capacities of promotores de salud, educators, and community workers to facilitate conversations about the impact of air on health, using visual resources and participatory activities.
- Promote accessible prevention and self-care strategies that can be implemented in workplaces and communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Presentation / Flipchart
This bilingual presentation, developed by Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) with support from the Thoracic Foundation, is designed as a flexible tool for health educators, community health workers (CHWs), and outreach workers. It can be used as a digital slideshow or as a printed flipchart to facilitate conversations with outdoor workers about respiratory health and safety. The resource covers how air quality and weather extremes affect breathing, explains the Air Quality Index (AQI), and highlights protective measures such as respirators, protective clothing, and strategies to reduce exposure to dust, chemicals, and smoke. With engaging visuals and simple language, this presentation helps CHWs address misinformation and share practical prevention strategies with communities most at risk.
Clear the Air! Protect Your Health from Bad Air | Comic Book
This bilingual comic book brings respiratory health education to life through relatable stories and engaging illustrations. It follows characters who work outdoors and face everyday challenges from heat, pesticides, dust, smoke, and poor air quality. Readers learn about the Air Quality Index, how to correctly wear an N95 respirator, and steps to protect themselves and their families. By combining humor, storytelling, and practical tips, the comic makes complex health information easy to understand and share. It is an ideal resource for agricultural workers, outdoor laborers, and their families, as well as for CHWs and educators seeking to spark conversations in the community.
Facilitator Guide
This guide equips health educators, community health workers (CHWs), and outreach workers with structured support to lead interactive discussions about air quality, respiratory health, and weather-related risks. It complements the Clear the Air comic book and the flipchart presentation, forming a complete educational toolkit. The guide includes participatory activities such as “Heat Exposure Charades” and “Breathing Under Pressure” to help workers recognize symptoms, understand how pollution affects the lungs, and practice prevention strategies. With scripts, prompts, and activity guides, it enables CHWs to create safe and engaging spaces for dialogue, build trust, and empower workers to take action to protect their health.
Radio PSA
This series of Spanish short radio capsules (1.5 minutes each) was created for rural audiences and agricultural workers. In clear and accessible language, they explain how weather extremes affect respiratory health, the increased risks from pesticides during extreme heat, and the dangers of working long hours in high temperatures. Each capsule provides practical tips, like checking the air quality index, staying hydrated, wearing protective equipment, and avoiding recently sprayed areas, while also directing listeners to the comic book Clear the Air: Protect Your Health from Bad Air for further learning. These capsules are designed to be broadcast on local radio stations and shared widely as an engaging way to reach workers and their families.