If you are concerned about the quality of the air you breathe, understanding the facts about ozone levels is important. As the knowledge about the colorless gas known as ozone is expanded, those people who live in the area can take advantage of the increased understanding. Denver ozone alerts remind the homeowners about the amount of ground-level ozone. When the gas is found in the upper atmosphere it protects against the harmful ultraviolet rays. It is when ozone is found near the earth’s surface that it becomes a harmful air pollutant. Another name for this type of gas is “smog”.
Each year, the American Lung Association prepares a “State of the Air” report. According to the 2016 report, the air quality in Denver improved slightly. However, the bad news is that Denver is ranked as the 8th worst air quality community nationally. The abysmal rating is due to the number of high ozone level days. The report also recognizes the number of high particle pollutants. For decades, the quality of the air has been a concern.
Alert days are forecast, using a number of factors, which can include temperature, cloud cover, emissions’ build-up in the air, and wind speed and direction. Alerts are more likely to occur on hot days.
Low air quality is harmful to public health, particularly to those with respiratory ailments, older adults, and children. When people in those risk classes breathe air that is ozone-polluted, they will often end up with a visit to the doctor’s office, emergency room or the hospital. When the particulate level is high, the danger to breathing increases. The pollution can cause problems with the lungs as well as irritated eyes.
The brown fog that hangs over the city is not only unattractive, but it is dangerous to many people. A number of factors can contribute to the build-up of air pollution. Some of the most obvious causes include increased heat and changes in weather patterns. The extended number of days without adequate precipitation leads to dry plants and undergrowth, which in turn may increase the risk of wildfires. Fires in nearby areas can cause added unhealthy particle pollution in some cities, including the Greater Denver area.
On high alert days, there are actions which can be taken to reduce the impact. Ground-level pollution is difficult to control since a lot of the readings are caused by weather conditions. The additional pollutants can be controlled through various actions. Some of the obvious actions are to limit driving, using public transportation or carpool. Refilling vehicles, gas cans and lawn and garden equipment should be done carefully to avoid spilling, and is best done at night when the temperature has dropped. Mowing with battery or electrically powered equipment helps to reduce pollution.
Ensuring that indoor area is as clean and healthy as possible is another way to help those who want to avoid respiratory problems. Regular inspections and heating and cooling repair Denver Colorado efforts improve indoor air quality.
When looking for HVAC companies in and around Denver, experience matters. Choose a firm that understands the particular needs of air quality in the city.
