14 DAY TRIAL // University of York researchers warn that, during heat waves, air pollution levels can increase to a considerable extent.
This is because, when exposed to very high temperatures, plants close the pores on their leaves. They do so in order to conserve water, Tree Hugger reports.
The bad news is that plants with closed pores no longer absorb ozone and other pollutants.
“This natural protective mechanism makes them more resilient to extreme heat and high ozone levels, but it also stops them from absorbing ozone and other pollutants,” the specialists reportedly explain.
The result is that these chemical compounds start to build up in the air. The air we breathe, that is.
This means that, whenever temperatures go up, heat strokes and sunburns aren't the only things we should be worrying about.
On the contrary, it is likely that our lungs and airways won't be having the time of their life either.