There is something exhilarating about winter air. It’s cleaner, fresher, and all-around healthier. Or is it? Not necessarily. There are many factors that can make winter air more polluted and less healthy than the warmer seasons.

 

In wintertime photochemical oxidation is slower and plants remove less air pollution. Snow washes out less than rain, and winter is generally dryer, so washout is less common. Cold air molecules move less, and the rate of diffusion decreases, presenting unique challenges for anthropogenic emissions. 

 

There are many air pollution sources that aren’t needed outside of winter. Furnaces and fireplaces are burning to heat homes, offices, factories, and hundreds of other structures. Vehicles are warmed up longer before use. There are snowblowers, snowplows, salters, and heated driveways. Pre-heating, heat-tracing, and anti-freezing!

 

The deeper you dig into winter air quality, the scarier it can get. But don’t worry. The outdoors probably isn’t worse for your health in cold weather than in summer, with millions of air conditioners running, significant increases in building and construction activity, vacation travel, and increased biogenic emissions.

 

 

These days buildings are well insulated and sealed to maintain cool interior temperatures in summer and warmth in winter. When you close your windows and lock your house up tight, you’re trapping air pollutants inside. Winter can be a difficult time for interior air quality.

 

Here are some tips for dealing with air contaminants…

 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you should be prepared to burn safely (natural gas/propane, heating oil, or wood), check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and protect against roof and plumbing leaks to prevent mold before it happens.

 

The American Lung Association recommends opting for electric space heaters rather than natural gas or kerosene, cleaning with low VOC products, and properly balancing moisture to reduce mold while maintaining appropriate humidity.

 

 

Winter air can be invigorating! Enjoy Winter, 2024-2025, be safe, and have fun!