The Most Harmful Air Pollutants and Their Effects On Human Health

Air pollution is the release of toxins into the air that are detrimental to human health as well as the planet. The Clean Air Act authorizes the U.S. Ecological Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure general well-being by controlling the release of these harmful air pollutants. However, while we’ve gained ground in the course of the last 40 or more years improving air quality, negative environmental impact will make it harder to satisfy pollution guidelines. Here’s a list of some of the most harmful air contaminants and their effects on our health. Considering the rate at which the pollution is hitting us, it has become essential to buy residential air purifiers

Ozone

A gas that can be found in two spots. Close to the ground (troposphere), it is a major part of smog. The destructive ozone in the lower atmosphere shouldn’t be mistaken for the defensive layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere), which screens out unsafe UV rays. Ozone is created when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds mix in sunlight. That is the reason ozone is generally found in the summer. Nitrogen oxides originate from consuming gas, coal, or other petroleum products. There are numerous kinds of unstable organic compounds and they originate from sources ranging from factories to trees.
Ozone near the ground can cause various health issues. It can lead to more frequent asthma attacks in individuals who have asthma and can cause sore throats, coughs, and breathing trouble. It might even lead to premature death.

Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur dioxide is a highly reactive gas with an pungent irritating smell. It is formed by non-renewable energy resource combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities. Natural processes include decomposition and combustion of organic matter, spray from the sea, and volcanic eruptions. It adds to the formation of particulate matter as well.

Sulfur dioxide irritates the lining of the nose, throat, and lungs and may amplify existing respiratory diseases, particularly asthma. It has also been found to worsen cardiovascular diseases. It also leads to narrowing of the airways, causing sneezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Particulate Matter

Particulate matter, otherwise called particle pollution or PM, is a term that describes little solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. Particulate matter can comprises a variety of components including nitrates, sulfates, organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens, (pollen or mold spores). It fundamentally originates from engine vehicles, wood burning heaters, and factories.

PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) are small enough to go through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once breathed in, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause severe health problems. PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) are so little they can get deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream. There is adequate proof that exposure to PM2.5 over the years can cause detrimental health effects.

These contaminants can ruin our health to an extent that there will be a point of no return very soon from now. This is why it is wise to look for residential air purification systems for saleand invest in them immediately. Alpine Air Products is a pioneer at developing the best of the best purifiers for commercial as well as residential uses. Check out our range of products today!

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