Air Pollution Tracking: Methods And Technologies

Air pollution is a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as the environment. To combat this, many countries have set up systems to monitor air quality and prevent pollution events. There are several tools and technologies available to help monitor air quality, such as stations, sensor networks, and the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is an index for reporting air quality levels for five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particle pollution. Entities such as the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating air quality. These organizations provide valuable data and resources to help improve the environment and protect public health.

Real-time air quality monitoring

One example is AirNow, a website that provides air quality data at the local, state, national, and global levels. AirNow's map highlights air quality in a user's local area, with the option to view data at broader scales. This allows users to understand the air quality in their immediate surroundings and make any necessary adjustments to protect their health, such as limiting outdoor activities or taking precautions when air pollution levels are high.

The World Air Quality Index project (WAQI) offers another real-time air pollution map that covers over 80 countries and includes data from more than 10,000 stations worldwide. This map uses the latest US EPA standard and the Instant Cast reporting formula to provide up-to-date information on air pollution levels. WAQI's GAIA air quality monitor is easy to set up and uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, which are among the most harmful air pollutants.

In addition to these global and regional initiatives, local governments and businesses can also access real-time air quality monitoring solutions. For instance, Airly provides advanced analytics and insights about air quality to help local authorities make informed decisions. Similarly, PurpleAir offers real-time air quality monitoring sensors that measure particulate pollution (PM2.5), temperature, humidity, and pressure. These sensors are more affordable than commercial-grade monitors while still providing accurate and reliable data.

WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Air Quality and Health Unit works in three cross-cutting areas: knowledge, evidence and measuring progress; institutional capacity building; and leadership and coordination.

The unit provides technical support to WHO's Member States in the development of normative guidance, tools and the provision of authoritative advice on health issues related to air pollution and its sources. It leads monitoring and reporting on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional and global levels. WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit also offers interim targets to promote a gradual shift from high to lower concentrations of air pollution and their associated health benefits. For example, through the achievement of interim target one (35 µg/m3), around 300,000 deaths would be saved worldwide annually.

In 2019, 99% of the world's population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met. The combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit is, therefore, essential in providing the knowledge, evidence and progress measurements to tackle this global health crisis.

Air pollution and health

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. This number has increased over the past two decades. Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory tract.

Particulate matter (PM) is composed of chemicals such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, or mineral dust. Vehicle and industrial emissions from fossil fuel combustion, cigarette smoke, and burning organic matter, such as wildfires, all contain PM. A subset of PM, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is 30 times thinner than a human hair and can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue, causing serious health problems. PM2.5 accounts for most health effects due to air pollution in the US.

Ozone, an atmospheric gas, is often referred to as smog when it is at ground level. It is created when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Ozone gas is a powerful lung irritant and can cause inflammation and other damage that impacts multiple body systems. Ozone exposure can also shorten lives. Those at greatest risk from ozone pollution include pregnant women and their foetuses, children, older adults, and people living with chronic conditions, especially heart and lung disease.

Research has established a link between fine particulate matter and mortality. Air pollution exposure is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may lay the foundation for chronic diseases and cancer. Public health concerns related to high air pollution exposures include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders. Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small for gestational age births.

Air pollution technologies

Air pollution tracking technologies are essential tools in the fight against pollution and climate change. These technologies provide valuable data and insights that help governments, researchers, and communities make informed decisions and take effective actions to improve air quality. Advancements in technology have led to the development of innovative solutions for monitoring and reducing air pollution.

One notable example is the use of low-cost, portable, and real-time air pollution sensors. These sensors can be mounted on vehicles like cars, trucks, or even bicycles, allowing for hyperlocal air quality mapping and analysis. For instance, Aclima, Inc., in partnership with Google Earth Outreach, equipped Google Street View cars with air quality sensors to collect air pollution data at street level. This technology has also been utilized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in their Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative (SMMI) to gather detailed data on air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in disadvantaged communities.

Satellite technology also plays a crucial role in air pollution tracking. Satellites can provide global coverage and complement ground-based monitoring networks. The integration of satellite data with land use data and dense sensor networks enhances the spatial and temporal resolution of air pollution measurements. This integration allows for a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution patterns and sources.

Additionally, the development of interactive maps and online tools has revolutionized air pollution tracking. For example, the Global Environment Monitoring System for Air (GEMS/Air) and IQAir have collaborated to create a real-time interactive map that provides estimates of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) globally. This map is accessible through a mobile phone app and a partner website, attracting millions of users.

The integration of multiple technology groups, such as combining data from satellites, ground-based sensors, and computational models, is essential to maximizing the effectiveness of air pollution monitoring. By leveraging the strengths of each technology, we can improve the accuracy and spatial coverage of air quality data, leading to more informed decision-making and effective pollution reduction strategies.

Overall, the utilization of advanced technologies in air pollution tracking has enabled us to better understand and address the complex challenges posed by air pollution, ultimately contributing to cleaner air and improved public health worldwide.

Air pollution data and advocacy

Air pollution is a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as the environment. It is essential to monitor air quality to ensure that the air we breathe is clean and safe, with low levels of pollution. Poor air quality can lead to a range of respiratory complications and lower life expectancy in heavily polluted regions.

There are several tools and technologies available to help monitor air quality and track air pollution. These include air quality sensors, stations, and other pollution-detecting devices. For instance, the GAIA air quality monitor uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution levels, which are among the most harmful air pollutants.

Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and the European Environment Agency (EEA) in Europe play a crucial role in monitoring air quality and tracking pollution. The EPA, created in the 1970s, has the mandate to protect people and the environment from major health risks, conduct research, and develop and enforce eco-friendly regulations. The EEA, established in the 1990s, helps member countries make informed decisions about improving the environment and integrating environmental considerations into economic policies.

To access real-time air quality data, websites like AirNow.gov and WAQI.info provide detailed information on air pollution levels. AirNow.gov offers local, state, national, and worldwide air quality information, while WAQI.info features a real-time air pollution map for over 80 countries. Additionally, platforms like Airly provide comprehensive air quality monitoring solutions for local governments and businesses, offering advanced analytics and insights about air quality in specific areas.

Advocacy plays a vital role in addressing air pollution. By raising awareness about the issue and its impact on human health and the environment, advocacy groups can influence policymakers and the general public to prioritize air quality improvements. Access to accurate and easily understandable data is crucial for effective advocacy. Visual representations of air quality data, such as those provided by CAMS and Windy through their partnership, help convey the severity and reach of air pollution, mobilizing individuals and communities to take action and support initiatives that combat this global challenge.

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