As U.S. heat waves reach record highs this summer in many states, a large portion of the population is experiencing a great deal of discomfort due to excess heat and humidity. But the temperature isn't the only thing rising—so is the risk.

While many can stay out of harm's way by staying cool and hydrated, the risk is even greater to those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Especially in metropolitan areas, where poor air quality accompanies skyrocketing temps.

That's because during a heat wave, the sun's rays virtually "cook" the outdoor air, mixing with the excess chemical compounds it contains. This "soup" it creates combines with the air's naturally occurring nitrogen oxide, resulting in a smog of ground-level gas. When this happens, breathing becomes difficult, leaving those with respiratory illness more susceptible to illness and infection. Add this to the excess amount of allergens—such as seasonal pollens and molds already present in the summer air—and things can become downright unbearable.

Short of jumping in the nearest swimming pool, the first line of defense for many is to retreat indoors, where air conditioning can provide cooling relief. However, the same airborne particles plaguing individuals in summer heat can follow them indoors, where they becoming trapped inside and continue to circulate.

A whole-home filtration system, like Lennox' new Healthy Climate^® Carbon Clean 16 Media Air Cleaner, can provide families with much-needed relief rom these potentially harmful particles, dramatically improving the quality of indoor air. Compatible with any HVAC system, the HC16 provides hospital-grade filtration of airborne allergens and other particles, with a removable MERV 16 Precision Pleat^™ media filter that eliminates more than 95% of allergy-aggravating particles from indoor air. These include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, viruses, bacteria, mold and fungi—all factors that can further contribute to and aggravate asthma and respiratory illnesses.

What's more, the Carbon Clean 16 reduces ground-level ozone—a known lung irritant—from indoor air, converting it into clean, healthy oxygen while also neutralizing odors and airborne pollutants before they're circulated back into the air.