During which season is air pollution typically at its highest?

Air pollution levels are typically at their highest during winter due to several key factors. One of the primary reasons is the increased use of heating systems during colder months, which often rely on fossil fuels. This combustion process releases a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere.

Additionally, winter often brings weather patterns that exacerbate air pollution. Colder temperatures can lead to temperature inversions where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground instead of allowing them to disperse. This phenomenon is particularly common in urban areas with high traffic and industrial activity.

Furthermore, winter can lead to the increased use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, contributing additional particulate matter and organic compounds to the air. In contrast, in warmer seasons like summer, while ground-level ozone can increase due to sunlight-triggered chemical reactions, the overall air quality tends to improve because atmospheric conditions often favor the dispersion of pollutants.

Together, these factors contribute to the heightened levels of air pollution observed during winter months.