A recent study from Texas A&M University found that heat waves exacerbate air pollution levels, resulting in elevated concentrations of harmful pollutants. This research underscores the urgent need for improved public health strategies and climate change mitigation efforts.
As heat waves become more frequent and severe, their impact on public health extends beyond just soaring temperatures. New research from Texas A&M University indicates that these extreme weather events also lead to higher levels of air pollution, exacerbating health risks, particularly in regions already battling high heat.
In 2023, Texas experienced its deadliest year on record for heat-related fatalities, with over 300 deaths reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This alarming statistic prompted a team of researchers at Texas A&M University to examine another dimension of heat wave-related hazards: the increase in airborne pollutants.
The team’s findings will be presented by Bianca Pamela Aridjis-Olivos, a graduate student in aerosol and atmospheric chemistry at Texas A&M, at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society being held Aug. 17-21.
“You can think of it like a super sensitive nose,” Aridjis-Olivos said in a news release, referencing the proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-4000) used in their research.
This sophisticated instrument allowed the team to detect and monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants during heat waves.
The study, conducted during the intense August 2024 heat wave in College Station, Texas, involved collecting air samples continuously from Aug. 5 to Sept. 3. During this period, temperatures soared between 90 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 41 Celsius).
Importantly, the research was conducted without the influence of nearby wildfires to isolate the effects of the heat wave itself on air quality.
Their findings were eye-opening.
The team detected elevated levels of ozone, oxygenated VOCs and acid-rich nanoparticles, all of which increased in concentration with rising outdoor temperatures.
Furthermore, they discovered that natural VOC emissions from trees, particularly isoprene, spiked during heat waves and significantly contributed to the formation of harmful air pollutants.
“It really was surprising, how these emissions from trees increase during heat waves and interact with air pollution,” added Aridjis-Olivos, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions to mitigate health risks.
The escalating presence of VOCs, particularly in heavily wooded areas, underscores the complexity of air pollution during heat waves. When these compounds react with other emissions under strong solar radiation, they form elevated levels of ozone and secondary organic aerosols, both of which pose serious health risks.
In response to their findings, the researchers have recommended several measures to safeguard public health during heat waves:
- Stay indoors during peak sunlight hours, typically between noon and 4 p.m., when temperatures and ozone levels are highest.
- Avoid exercising or commuting near major roadways or urban hotspots during extreme heat.
- Monitor the local air quality index and adjust outdoor plans accordingly.
- Keep windows closed to limit exposure to outdoor air pollutants.
While these short-term strategies can help, the researchers emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of how climate change affects atmospheric chemistry. This will enable better prediction of pollutant formation and enhance preparedness and mitigation efforts to protect public health.
Source: American Chemical Society