Does rain clean the pollution out of the air?

I live in a big city with lots of air pollution. I love to run outdoors, but often times the pollution makes my throat and lungs hurt. It has been raining today, so will the rain clean the air out so I can run afterwards?

Is air pollution in the air reduced after it rains? If so, anybody know how long it takes for the pollution to build back up again?

6 Responses to “Does rain clean the pollution out of the air?”

  • Trevor:

    Rain drops themselves are formed around a tiny particle which is often a particle of pollution. The rain also gathers pollution particles as it falls to earth – effectively washing the air. You’ve probably noticed how much cleaner and fresher the air is after a heavy downpour.

    What it’s actually doing is moving the dust and pollution from one place to another but it does mean the air is cleaner and healthier.

    As for how long before the pollution builds back up again – several factors come into play here. On a hot, calm day pollution builds up quickly. If there’s a breeze blowing the pollutants are more readily dispersed and carried away. If it’s colder the pollutants tend not to ‘hang’ in the air.

    You could try running early in the day when the air is cleaner. Pollution tends to build up during the day due to traffic, heating and industry and is then dispersed during the night.

  • Da Bears:

    Yes

  • jesse b:

    yes yes yes and yes

  • Wattsup!:

    sounds right. probably washes dirt and dust away also. but certainly since you run alot you have had these experiences and u can tell us the answer.

  • Gaspode:

    Particulates are reduced as well as many gasses. They then pollute the waters.

    As to how long the effect lasts, depends on recharge rate and how much scrubbing the rain did.

    The pollution does not go away, just gets into the ocean quicker.

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