Despite national improvements in air quality, Tampa Bay continues to face air pollution. The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report ranks Tampa third worst in the southeast for ground-level ozone pollution.
Here’s what you need to know about the potential health concerns caused by this kind of pollution and how you can combat polluted air in your home with an HVAC indoor air treatment.
The Pollution Problem in Tampa
The “State of the Air” report determines exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution (source). Both pollutants pose severe health risks, including asthma, heart attacks, and preterm births.
Why is Tampa so prone to pollution? Tampa’s hot, humid climate can exacerbate pollution levels by increasing ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.
Being on the Gulf Coast, Tampa has atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing them from dispersing and causing higher concentrations of pollution.
Normally, warm air rises and helps disperse pollutants. However, a temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air beneath it, preventing the upward movement of air and trapping pollutants near the ground. In coastal areas like Tampa, temperature inversions can be more frequent because of the cool sea breeze from the Gulf of Mexico.
As a major metropolitan area with relatively limited public transportation options, Tampa residents and tourists rely heavily on personal vehicles. Traffic emissions contribute to high levels of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which react with heat to form ground-level ozone.
Tampa is growing. More residents mean increased demand for transportation, construction, and other activities that generate pollutants. Ongoing urban development releases particulate matter and other pollutants into the air. Construction dust, industrial emissions, and other byproducts contribute to the area’s air quality issues.
The Role of HVAC Indoor Air Treatment
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are not just about maintaining comfortable temperatures. Modern HVAC systems equipped with advanced air treatment technologies play a vital role in improving indoor air quality. Here’s how:
- Duct Sealing: Aeroseal is an innovative technology designed to seal leaks in your ductwork from the inside. A non-toxic, water-based sealant is introduced into the duct system. Under pressure, the sealant particles attach to the edges of leaks, sealing them to as much as 98% (source).
- Air Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap harmful particles such as dust, smoke, and other pollutants.
- Air Purification: Air purifiers that use UV light or ionization to neutralize airborne pathogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution.
Other Ways to Combat Environmental Pollution in Tampa
In addition to using advanced HVAC indoor air treatment systems, Tampa residents can take several other measures to combat outdoor environmental pollution:
- Tightly seal doors, windows, and any openings.
- Change HVAC filters as recommended and schedule professional inspections to keep your system in top condition.
- Consider using standalone air purifiers with HEPA filters in key areas of your home to provide an extra layer of protection against outdoor pollutants that slip in.
- Carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving decreases emissions and improves Tampa’s overall air quality.
- Maintaining green spaces in and around your home helps absorb pollutants and improve air quality, acting as a natural filter for airborne particles and gases.
- Stay informed about Tampa’s air quality by using apps and websites that provide real-time air quality data. On days with high pollution levels, limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed to prevent polluted air from entering your home.
See How Millian Aire Can Help Combat Pollutants
HVAC indoor air treatment systems offer a practical and effective solution to combat outdoor pollution in Tampa. Millian Aire is committed to helping Tampa Bay residents breathe cleaner, healthier air by providing state-of-the-art HVAC solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.
For more information on how Millian Aire can help improve your indoor air quality, contact us today.
