What is thermal inversion and how does it affect respiratory health?
Have you ever heard of or know what thermal inversion is? In practice, it is a natural climate phenomenon, which occurs when masses of cold air are trapped near the surface of the ground, due to the presence of a layer of impenetrable hot air in areas of higher altitude. 1
Despite happening spontaneously, there is evidence that human action, mainly environmental pollution, has aggravated the consequences of thermal inversion, as it keeps the air polluted, cold and dry, of poor quality around the population, increasing the incidence of respiratory problems. . 1
Keep reading to learn more about the subject and how it affects us!
What is thermal inversion?
We can define thermal inversion as a change in the order of air layers in the atmosphere, which causes a phenomenon capable of maintaining a barrier of hot air above zones of cold air, which retains low temperature masses closer to the ground. and prevents the dispersion of air pollutants. 1
During autumn and winter, on very cold days, this process happens naturally. However, human action, which promoted the sealing of land in urban areas and the constant emission of pollution, creates more favorable situations for its occurrence. 1
What is the cause of thermal inversion?
Despite being a natural event, the cause of thermal inversion was enhanced by human action in changing the characteristics of the environment, especially in large cities. This is because urban soil has become more impermeable, native vegetation has been reduced and the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere has reached alarming levels in recent years. 1
These effects create a semi-permanent, nearly impenetrable layer of warm air above the ground, trapping cooler masses near the surface. What should happen is the movement of hot air upwards, until it gradually cools with altitude. 1
How does thermal inversion occur?
On cold days, thermal inversion occurs due to the accumulation of hot air in higher altitude regions. This phenomenon blocks the cold layer over the terrain of cities, preventing the normal flow of atmospheric circulation, which prevents the dispersion of pollutants in urban centers and worsens air quality. 1
What are the consequences of thermal inversion?
Knowing what thermal inversion is and how it occurs, we can identify the consequences of this phenomenon. In this case, the population suffers from poor air quality, increased air pollution, a higher incidence of respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, allergies and other health threats. 1
Loss of air quality in urban centers
Thermal inversion traps colder, drier air close to people, which causes dry airways and increases the concentration of irritating agents and floating pathogens, worsening the quality of air available in urban centers. 1
Ambiental degradation
The phenomenon is directly linked to environmental degradation and the destruction of original vegetation, which makes atmospheric movement difficult, due to the waterproofing of the soil. It is a vicious circle that harms air quality as human action progresses. 1
Increase in the number of respiratory diseases
Poor air quality increases the incidence of respiratory problems. Firstly, because the climate becomes drier and colder, which can dry out the mucous membranes and lower the body’s natural defenses, in addition to favoring the concentration of pathogens and irritating agents in the inhaled air. two
Allergies and viruses become more frequent and difficult to treat in these conditions, causing a public health problem due to climate change. two
Increased concentration of pollutants in the air
The phenomenon of thermal inversion prevents atmospheric pollutants from being dispersed by the natural flow of air. With the low temperature mass blocked in urban centers, close to the ground, the gases emitted by factories and cars have nowhere to go. 1
Eye and skin irritation
With dry skin and eyes, due to the dry and cold climate, irritations are more common. However, the presence of pollutants and irritating agents tends to worsen this situation. The more exposed we are, the greater the risk of getting conjunctivitis, hives and skin problems. 3
Appearance of allergies
Respiratory allergies are driven and aggravated by this atmospheric phenomenon, as it prevents air renewal and the dispersion of pollutants. 2 3
Consequently, allergens and toxic particles are concentrated in the most populated areas, causing adverse reactions in the respiratory system of the general public. Under these conditions, some frames become more common, such as 2 3 :
- sinusitis;
- allergic rhinitis;
- asthma;
- bronchitis;
- cold;
- pharyngitis;
- the flu;
- laryngitis;
- conjunctivitis;
What are the possible solutions to the consequences of thermal inversion?
Thermal inversion is natural and we need to live with this type of phenomenon from time to time. However, the frequency and duration of the event can be reduced with environmental awareness and recovery actions, as part of interventions in the urban scenario. 1
Respect and commitment to the environment must be central issues in this discussion. Among the proposed solutions, we can highlight 1 :
- creation of environmental preservation areas;
- construction of green areas in urban centers;
- combating processes that create waterproofing of city terrain;
- prioritization of collective public transport in relation to the use of private cars;
- search for renewable and clean energy sources;
- planting trees on urban roads;
- combating fires;
- combat the emission of pollutants by factories and industries, with greater inspection, awareness and punishment of offenders;
- adequacy of urban planning to respect and care for the environment.
Discover the entire Benegrip product line to treat symptoms resulting from thermal inversion!
The complete Benegrip line includes anti-flu medications that can also help relieve symptoms in allergies and irritations, conditions aggravated by thermal inversion and other meteorological phenomena.
Conclusion
In this post you saw what thermal inversion is, what causes this phenomenon and how human action was capable of worsening the consequences and general characteristics of meteorological activity.
The insertion of agendas on climate and the environment must be part of urban planning, not only out of awareness and respect for these causes, but to ensure the well-being and health of the population.
We hope you enjoyed the post and learned more about the subject. For more information and guides like this, see other content on the Portal da Saúde blog. See you later!
