In all states and large cities, the competent authorities must provide the Air Quality Index. Today, this report is so important that even small cities are working on it. According to the EPA, there are four main types of pollutants: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone. Let’s get a deeper insight into each type. Keep reading to know more.

ground level ozone

Ozone is a type of natural gas found in the stratosphere. This gas helps prevent harmful UV light from the Sun from hitting the surface of our planet Earth. This light is quite dangerous for us humans and animals. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can even give you cancer.

Also, tropospheric ozone, as its name suggests, is found in the ground and can cause asthma, coughs, and lung problems. This gas can increase due to industry, vehicles and the burning of fossil fuels.

If you live in the city where there is a lot of traffic, make sure you are aware of this pollutant.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is another type of dangerous gas that kills many people each year. The source of this cache is vehicles and fossil fuels. Apart from this, forest fires can also increase the level of carbon monoxide in the winter.

Since this gas is colorless and odorless, we cannot tell if there is too much carbon monoxide. Therefore, we suggest that you check the air quality index in real time and make sure that the air you breathe does not contain too much carbon monoxide.

particular matter

Another type of pollution source is particulate matter. This stuff is quite dangerous as it can get into your lungs and can create a lot of health problems. The size of these particles ranges from 10 mm to 2.5 mm. It is often abbreviated as PM10.

If you live near a sawmill, you may be more prone to particulate matter. If this stuff gets into your blood stream, you can suffer from many health problems.

Sulfur dioxide

Generally, burning coal or oil can generate sulfur dioxide. This gas can raise pollution levels in the air. Apart from this, sulfur dioxide can also generate another of the most dangerous types of particles called PM2.5.

Here’s what you can do when air quality is poor

If you have a low Air Quality Index in your area, we suggest you prepare for the worst. You do not need to move if you have the purple, red, or orange level of the index in your area. However, you should make the necessary preparations and only leave your house when you really need to.

An easy way to stay safe is to install a good air purifier. You’re better off sticking with a unit that comes with a HEPA air filter.

In short, this was a description of some of the most common air pollutants. If you want to improve indoor air quality, we suggest you invest in a good HEPA-based air purifier.