You do it more than 15,000 times a day. And in Augusta, just breathing could put you at risk of serious health problems.

The American Lung Association ranked the city 21st in the country for year-round particle pollution.

That includes, ash, soot and gases released by chemical plants.

Doctors say it is the most dangerous kind of pollution and the list of health risks is staggering.

"For adults that's an increased risk of emphysema, stroke, heart attack. For children it's an increased risk of asthma attacks," said Dr. Dennis Ownby, an allergist with MCGHealth.

He says the bad air can as much as triple those risks. It means more attacks for asthmatics like Gwen Geter.

"It feels like a house. You're walking around with a house, or a ton of bricks on your chest," Geter said.

Geter's had asthma her whole life and takes several drugs for it daily.

She says she knows the biggest part of the problem is air pollution.

Dr. Ownby says the bad air is putting a lot of stress on our health care system.

And with more and more cars and trucks on the road and factories puffing out smoke it seems there's no end in sight.

"The concerning thing is its getting worse," Dr. Ownby said.

Richmond County leaders say they've been holding talks with other cities, companies and groups in the area for the last year and will be drafting a plan to address the problem in the next six months.

MCGHealth is holding an 'Asthma Awareness Carnival' Saturday from 10:00 am. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kohl's in Evans.
__________________________________

MCGHealth Hosts Free Asthma Event

Augusta, Ga. -- The MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center will host an asthma awareness carnival on Saturday, May 3, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kohl’s store at 4227 Washington Road in Evans. The event will help commemorate World Asthma Day, which is May 1.

The entire family can participate in carnival games and events while learning more about the factors that can trigger asthma and asthma management. Those who are pre-registered will receive a free asthma kit valued at $100. The event is sponsored by the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program.

To pre-register for the asthma kit or for additional information, call 706-721-3712 or 3225.