Air Quality Forecast
On Friday May 31st the Seacoast and high elevations above 3000ft) will be deemed unhealthy for sensitive people (Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma). This will extend into Saturday June 1st as the area of concern expands to include Hillsborough, Merrimack and Rockingham Counties. The pollutant of concern for this period is Ozone. (NH Department of Environmental Services, 2013)
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a triatomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is an allotrope of oxygen that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope (O2), breaking down in the lower atmosphere to normal dioxygen. Ozone is formed from dioxygen by the action of ultraviolet light and also atmospheric electrical discharges, and is present in low concentrations throughout the Earth's atmosphere. In total, ozone makes up only 0.6 parts per million of the atmosphere. (Wikipedia, 2013)
Ozone Air Pollution
Ozone precursors are a group of pollutants, predominantly those emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels. Ground-level ozone pollution (tropospheric ozone) is created near the Earth's surface by the action of daylight UV rays on these precursors. The ozone at ground level is primarily from fossil fuel precursors, but methane is a natural precursor, and the very low natural background level of ozone at ground level is considered safe. (Wikipedia, 2013)
Solutions
The number one solution is to avoid prolonged periods of time outside.
Future Preparation
Homeowners who have ducted heating and air conditioning systems can also install whole home purification systems. Air Cleaning is a way to fight indoor air pollution. Do not buy the cheap tabletop and gadget air cleaners you hear advertised. They are a waste of money. According to an American Lung Association® report, “The reviewed data provide little reason to endorse the use of inexpensive tabletop, appliance-type air cleaners, regardless of the technology they employ. In general, high-efficiency particle collection requires larger filters or electronic air cleaners.”
We recommend a whole-house approach with a duct mounted UV light and either a HEPA filtration system or an electronic air cleaner. The installed cost of an electronic air cleaner is roughly 30 cents a day over the life of the air cleaner. What’s appropriate for your home depends on your budget, comfort system, and family. Whether it’s installing a new ventilation system, filtration system, or air filter Leblanc Heating is happy to help with all of your comfort system needs.
