- Ground level ozone – There are thousands of sources of this gas but the two you may be most familiar with are gasoline vapors and chemical solvents. Exposure can significantly reduce lung function, induce respiratory inflammation, and lead to chest pain, coughing, nausea, and pulmonary congestion.
- Nitrogen dioxide – This comes mostly from car exhaust and can irritate the lungs and lower a person’s ability to resist respiratory infections.
- Particulate matter – These are solid or liquid particles found in the air, such as soot or smoke, and can affect breathing and respiratory systems, damage lung tissue, and even cause cancer and premature death.
- Sulfur dioxide – This is the result of coal and oil being burned and can cause breathing problems, respiratory illness, and aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease.
- Lead – Smelters (places where gold, silver and copper are extracted) and battery plants are the main causes of this pollution. Exposure can cause a number of health problems, including anemia, kidney disease, reproductive disorders and neurological impairments.
- Carbon monoxide – A byproduct of motor vehicle exhaust, it can lead to visual impairment, reduced work capacity and manual dexterity, poor learning ability, and difficulty in performing complex tasks.
Protect Yourself
It’s true that you can’t entirely avoid exposure to air pollutants. But there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure. There are also several air cleaning devices on the market that are designed to remove pollutants from indoor air. Some are permanent: they are installed in the ductwork of a home’s Phoenix or Tucson air conditioning system to clean the air in the entire house. Others are portable and can be used to clean the air in a single room or in specific areas.
But perhaps one of the easiest things you can do is regularly change your Phoenix or Tucson air conditioning filter – about once a month. The air filter captures some of the particulate matter that would otherwise come into your home, and keeps it from entering. The American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends getting a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Rating Value of MERV 6 or higher. And now, you can order one- and four-inch filters online at ChasRoberts.com and have them delivered to your door!
You also want to make sure your home air conditioning system is in tip-top shape, and Phoenix air conditioning contractor Chas Roberts can help with that. Right now, Chas is offering an air conditioning system diagnostic at a special low price. But the offer only lasts until October 15, so contact the top Phoenix air conditioning contractor today for an appointment and order your filters easily online! Visit ChasRoberts.com or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix or (520) 292-6858 in Tucson.
