There's no doubt you've seen it...that hazy, murky look the sky often has when the weather turns hot and humid. But what exactly causes atmospheric haze? Hmmm....
"Haze" is traditionally an atmospheric phenomenon where airborne particles obscure the clarity of the sky. While these particles can include dust, smoke, and other dry aerosols...the haze we typically see during the summertime commonly arises from complex chemical reactions that occur as sulfur dioxide gases emitted during combustion are converted into small droplets of sulfuric acid. The reactions are enhanced in the presence of sunlight, high relative humidity, and stagnant air flow...which is why haze tends to be most prevalent during summertime heat waves.
So is it as dangerous as it sounds from the above description? For the elderly, very young, and those with respiratory problems such as asthma...it actually can be! But even an healthy, active individual can suffer ill effects such as dizziness and light-headedness if exposed to poor air quality for an extended period of time. That's why it's best to just relax, stay cool, and limit strenous physical activity whenever we find ourselves in the midst of a hot, hazy stretch.
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