Measuring Air Pollution: Strategies Companies Employ

Air pollution is a critical issue that threatens human health and the environment. With 99% of the global population breathing unclean air, according to the World Health Organization, it is essential to measure and regulate air pollution to safeguard public health and the planet. Companies play a crucial role in this process by employing various methods to assess their impact on air quality. This involves deploying static and portable air quality monitors, utilizing satellite data, and conducting qualitative assessments to identify and mitigate their contribution to air pollution. Governments and international organizations are also actively involved in promoting air quality monitoring and regulation to address this pressing issue.

Passive vs active measurement

Air pollution is a critical issue that poses significant risks to human health and the planet. To address this challenge, companies and organizations employ various methods to measure air pollution levels and inform effective strategies for improvement. Among these methods, passive and active air sampling play crucial roles in environmental monitoring, each offering unique advantages and suited to different applications.

Passive air sampling, also known as diffusive sampling, is a cost-effective and convenient method that relies on the natural process of diffusion. It is passive in nature as it does not involve pumping air to collect samples. Instead, diffusive samplers utilize a basic design with a diffusive surface where gaseous and vapor molecules enter and a sorbent medium where they are collected. This technique is ideal for long-term average pollutant concentration measurements and is often used for gases and vapors. Its advantages include low cost, ease of use, and minimal equipment requirements. However, it may not be suitable for detecting rapid changes in air quality or very low pollutant concentrations.

On the other hand, active air sampling provides more immediate and precise data on air pollutant concentrations. This method utilizes a mechanical pump to draw a known volume of air through a collection device, such as a filter or sorbent tube. Active samplers offer controlled sampling conditions, higher sensitivity, and the ability to detect lower pollutant concentrations, making them suitable for environments with low pollution levels. However, they are generally more expensive, complex, and require regular maintenance and calibration. Active sampling is well-suited for situations where real-time data and high sensitivity are crucial.

The choice between passive and active air sampling depends on the specific monitoring needs and requirements. Passive sampling is ideal for long-term environmental monitoring, assessing average pollutant levels over extended periods, and situations where cost and convenience are primary considerations. Active sampling, on the other hand, is preferable for real-time pollutant detection, detecting low pollutant concentrations, and applications requiring immediate and precise data.

Both methods are essential tools in the pursuit of cleaner air and a healthier environment. By understanding the unique advantages and limitations of each approach, companies and organizations can make informed decisions to select the most suitable technique for their specific air pollution measurement needs.

Modern measurement devices

Modern air pollution measurement is largely automated and carried out using a variety of devices and techniques. These can be categorised as either passive or active devices. Passive devices are relatively simple and inexpensive. They collect samples of ambient air, which are then analysed in a laboratory. Examples of passive devices include deposit gauges, which are large funnels that collect soot and other particulates, and simple absorbent test tubes known as diffusion tubes.

On the other hand, active measurement devices are automated or semi-automated and tend to be more complex and sophisticated than passive devices. They use fans to draw in air, filter it, and either analyse it immediately or store it for later laboratory analysis. Active sensors use either physical or chemical methods. Physical methods involve measuring an air sample without altering it, such as by assessing its absorption of a certain wavelength of light. In contrast, chemical methods involve altering the sample through a chemical reaction and then measuring the result. Modern active sensors can provide almost real-time pollution measurements, which are used to generate air quality indexes, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the United States.

There are several specific devices and techniques used for modern air pollution measurement. One example is the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM), which is used in modern pollution monitoring stations to measure coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particulates. The TEOM is based on a glass tube that vibrates at a frequency dependent on the amount of particles collected on it. Another technique is gas chromatography, which is used to separate and analyse the components of a gas mixture. Various forms of spectrometry, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry are also employed to measure different aspects of air pollution.

Smart technology and data analysis have also become increasingly important in air pollution measurement. Small, portable, and sometimes wearable devices, such as the Air Quality Egg and PurpleAir, can provide real-time measurements of particulates and gases. These devices can be connected to the internet and analysed using smartphone apps. The data collected by these sensors can be used to create maps of pollution levels over wide areas and to monitor air quality in both indoor and outdoor environments.

International Sustainability Standards Board

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) was established in 2021–2022 under the IFRS Foundation. The ISSB is a standard-setting body with a mandate to create and develop sustainability-related financial reporting standards that meet investors' needs for sustainability reporting. The ISSB has international support for its work from organisations such as the G7, the G20, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), and the Financial Stability Board.

The ISSB's standards are designed to provide comprehensive sustainability information to global capital markets and facilitate interoperability with disclosures that are jurisdiction-specific or aimed at broader stakeholder groups. The standards aim to support investor decision-making and enable international comparability to attract capital. By applying the ISSB’s standards, companies can avoid double-reporting and efficiently meet jurisdictional requirements while benefiting from the global baseline.

The need for a specific framework for sustainability-related disclosures has been recognised by environmentalists, standard setters, reporting companies, and the financial industry. Sustainability factors are becoming an integral part of investment decision-making, and there are increasing calls for companies to provide high-quality, globally comparable information on sustainability-related risks and opportunities. The ISSB aims to address the fragmented landscape of voluntary, sustainability-related standards and requirements that add cost, complexity, and risk to companies and investors.

The ISSB builds on the work of various market-led investor-focused reporting initiatives, including the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and industry-based SASB Standards. The ISSB's standards will be part of the broader body of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and will be known as IFRS-S ("S" for sustainability) to distinguish them from accounting standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

While the ISSB focuses on sustainability reporting standards, air pollution measurement is typically conducted by organisations like the World Air Quality Index project and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organisations utilise tools such as laser particle sensors and air quality monitors to measure pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). These measurements help raise awareness, inform policies, and drive actions to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

Air pollution's impact on businesses

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects businesses in numerous ways. Firstly, it impacts the health and cognitive functioning of employees, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. Polluted air can cause respiratory infections, diseases, lung cancer, and cardiovascular issues, resulting in a significant number of workdays lost globally each year. Poor air quality can also impair cognitive abilities such as decision-making, critical analysis, and creativity, hindering overall business performance.

The economic consequences of air pollution for businesses are significant. High levels of pollution can negatively affect talent recruitment, as skilled workers may be reluctant to relocate to severely polluted areas. This can result in higher costs for companies, as they struggle to attract top talent. Additionally, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of air pollution's impact, with spending patterns influenced by air quality. A Yale study found that consumers in Spain spent significantly less on days with higher ozone pollution, demonstrating how pollution can directly affect business profits.

Furthermore, air pollution disrupts daily business operations, particularly in cities with severe pollution problems. Traffic congestion and poor air quality can hinder the efficient movement of goods and services, impacting supply chains and distribution networks. Companies are also facing growing pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions. Businesses that fail to address their environmental impact may suffer reputational damage and lose consumer loyalty.

However, addressing air pollution presents opportunities for businesses to improve their performance and build a sustainable future. By investing in solutions, companies can enhance their brand image, attract environmentally conscious consumers and investors, and contribute to global efforts to tackle climate change. Additionally, monitoring and reducing air pollution can lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Businesses can also benefit from technological advancements that provide hyperlocal air pollution insights, helping them make informed decisions about their operations and contribute to sustainability targets.

To measure air pollution, companies can utilize tools such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides a standardized way to quantify pollution levels. Instruments on the ground and satellites collect data on particle pollution, ozone levels, and various airborne pollutants. Businesses can also refer to databases like the WHO Ambient Air Quality Database, which offers ground measurements of nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants. By understanding their air pollution footprint, companies can develop effective strategies to reduce emissions and mitigate their impact on the environment and human health.

Governmental air quality trends

Government bodies like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been working to protect public health and improve air quality by reducing pollutant emissions. The EPA's annual report, titled "Our Nation's Air", summarises the country's air quality status and trends. The report conveys information across different time periods, with longer-term trends for air quality concentrations starting in 1990, when monitoring methodologies became more consistent.

The EPA establishes an Air Quality Index (AQI) for the five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act. The AQI works like a thermometer that runs from 0 to 500, indicating changes in the amount of pollution in the air. An AQI value of 100 corresponds to an ambient air concentration that equals the level of the short-term national ambient air quality standard for protection of public health. Values at or below 100 are generally considered satisfactory, while values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality for certain sensitive groups and eventually everyone as the AQI increases.

The EPA also sets national air quality standards for six common air pollutants and tracks their levels annually. The Air Trends website provides additional details on air trends, allowing users to view emission trends and overall declines in national air quality concentration averages for criteria air pollutants from 1990 to 2021.

Furthermore, the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and GOES-R Series satellites play a crucial role in measuring air quality. The JPSS collects information about particles in the air, including smoke from wildfires, airborne dust, urban and industrial pollution, and volcanic ash. It can also measure ground-level ozone and carbon monoxide, which are associated with poor air quality from wildfires. The GOES-R Series satellites provide particle pollution measurements approximately every five minutes during the day, while the JPSS offers higher-resolution measurements of aerosols over the entire planet once a day.

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