Climate change is one of the most worrying trends of our time, and new information is constantly coming out about how a warming climate will affect human populations and the planet as a whole. One thing that doesn’t get as much attention as it should, though, is how global warming could affect the quality of the air we breathe. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between air quality and climate change.
 How Will Warmer Temperatures Impact Air Quality?
While you might not think that air temperature has a substantial effect on air quality, the link between the two is surprisingly strong. Climate-related metrics such as humidity, precipitation and cloud cover can all impact the level of pollutants in the air at any one time, with hotter, drier air being more likely to distribute contaminants. The same phenomena can also increase natural contaminants in the air. For example, wildfires are much more likely to start under dry, hot conditions, and the ash and smoke they produce can be very negative for human health. The same is true of dust storms, which are most likely to occur when soil is exposed to excessive heat and allowed to dry out.
Another component of the link between air quality and climate change is ozone. While most people think of ozone as helping to combat global warming, this is only true of ozone in the upper atmosphere. Near the ground, it is actually a harmful pollutant that can be quite dangerous, especially to people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. Unfortunately, excessive heat tends to lead to higher levels of this chemical near ground level, and recent studies suggest that ozone levels will increase as the climate continues to warm.
If you want to protect yourself from some of the adverse effects of climate change on air quality, a residential air purifier can help. By filtering out contaminants, a high-quality air purifier can help you and your family breathe easier now and in the future. Have questions about how an air purifier can improve the air quality in your home? We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we’ll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations tailored to your needs.