Air Pollution Watchdogs: Who's Monitoring The Air We Breathe?

Air pollution is a critical issue that affects people's health and the environment. With 7 million people dying prematurely each year due to air pollution, monitoring air quality is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Various organizations play a crucial role in monitoring air pollution levels and advocating for clean air. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed Global Air Quality Guidelines to help countries assess and improve their air quality. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the Air Quality System (AQS), a repository of ambient air quality data collected from thousands of monitors. Additionally, the American Lung Association compiles the annual State of the Air report, analyzing data from official air quality monitors to inform the public about air pollution levels across the nation. Local and state agencies, such as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), also contribute to air quality monitoring by measuring pollutants at multiple locations to protect outdoor air quality. These collective efforts are vital steps towards understanding and mitigating the impacts of air pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors air pollution globally

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a major threat to health across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as the greatest environmental health risk, with almost the entire global population (99%) exposed to air pollution levels that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, pneumonia, and premature death.

WHO actively monitors air pollution and its health impacts worldwide. This includes assessing exposure levels and the resulting health consequences, such as deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), at the national, regional, and global levels. WHO's efforts encompass both ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution.

The organization has developed an Air Pollution Data Portal, which includes valuable resources such as Burden of Disease statistics, air quality databases, and modelled exposure estimates for both ambient and household air pollution. These estimates are crucial for official reporting, including world health statistics and the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO's global assessment of ambient air pollution exposure provides essential insights into the burden of air pollution on health. In recognition of the health risks associated with household air pollution, WHO issued health-based guidelines in 2014 on clean fuels and technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting.

WHO's air quality standards serve as a benchmark for countries worldwide, and in 2024, only seven countries met these standards, highlighting the significant work that remains to be done. WHO's efforts in monitoring and providing guidelines for air quality are vital steps in addressing this global health challenge.

WHO deemed air pollution the greatest environmental health risk in 2019

Several organizations around the world monitor air pollution, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the European Environment Agency (EEA). In 2019, the WHO deemed air pollution the single greatest environmental health risk.

The WHO's assessment was based on evidence that air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major cause of premature death and disease worldwide. According to the organization, air pollution caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths globally in 2019, with 89% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The greatest number of premature deaths were in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.

The health risks associated with air pollution are varied and significant. Fine particulate matter is an especially important source of health risks, as these very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. The specific disease outcomes most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution include stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and cataract (household air pollution only). There is also suggestive evidence linking air pollution exposure to increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, other cancers, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and neurological diseases.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution, as their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. 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 also impacts neurological development in children and increases the risk of diseases later in life. In addition to the health impacts, air pollution also causes morbidity, with people living with diseases related to exposure to air pollution. This leads to significant costs for the healthcare sector.

Addressing air pollution is crucial for protecting public health, and the WHO supports countries in tackling this issue through evidence-based policies and actions. The organization's Air Quality and Health Unit works in areas such as knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress to reduce air pollution levels and protect populations from health risks.

Clean Air in London is a non-profit working to reduce air pollution in London

Many organizations around the world are dedicated to monitoring and improving air quality. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the Air Quality System (AQS), a repository of ambient air quality data that stores information from over 5000 active air quality monitors. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is another US-based organization that continually measures pollutants at over 50 locations across the state to improve and protect outdoor air quality.

Internationally, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission provide information on air quality and climate change mitigation strategies across Europe.

Clean Air in London is a non-profit organization working to reduce air pollution and improve the health and air quality of everyone in London. The group aims to increase awareness and education around air pollution, introducing policy and infrastructural changes to improve air quality. One of their main focuses is on the leading causes of air pollution in London: vehicle and building emissions. They run projects and events to reduce these emissions and campaign for infrastructure and policy changes. For example, they advocate for increased green spaces and parklets on streets to help purify the air. They also provide resources, projects, and workshops to educate the community about the measures they can take to improve air quality and protect themselves from toxic air.

Clean Air in London is just one of many organizations working to address air pollution in specific regions. Other notable organizations include the Clean Air Fund, a global organization focused on reducing air pollution in communities worldwide, and the Clean Air Partnership (CAP), a Canadian charity working to improve air quality and advance transportation sustainability.

The Clean Air Fund is a global organization focused on reducing air pollution

Several organisations monitor air pollution, including the Clean Air Task Force, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The Clean Air Fund

The Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to tackling air pollution. It works with governments, campaigners, researchers, funders, and businesses to create a world where everyone breathes clean air. As the world's largest philanthropically-funded organisation focused on addressing air pollution, the Clean Air Fund drives ambitious change from grassroots to government levels.

The Fund accelerates the clean air movement through various initiatives. Firstly, it grants funding to and partners with organisations worldwide that promote data-driven approaches, build public demand for clean air, and drive action. Secondly, it engages and supports decision-makers to take action on clean air initiatives. Lastly, it brings together various stakeholders, including funders, researchers, policymakers, businesses, and campaigners, to strengthen the air quality cause.

The Clean Air Fund's 'Clean Air for All' Strategy (2023-2026) outlines its approach to tackling global air pollution. The Fund has made a significant impact through its grants and projects, with highlights including improved air quality in Paris and community-driven action in Ghana. Additionally, it provides the only global analysis of international development funding for addressing air pollution, offering insights into funding trends and recommendations for governments and development finance institutions.

The Clean Air Fund recognises that marginalised groups often bear the brunt of air pollution. In collaboration with Climate Visuals, it launched a collection of free images authentically portraying communities severely impacted by poor air quality. This initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for equitable solutions.

The Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) is a non-profit devoted to improving air quality

The Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving air quality and addressing broader environmental management affairs, with a particular focus on air quality-related issues. Formed in the 1960s, CASANZ brings together individuals and organisations with an interest in clean air and the study of air pollution.

CASANZ operates through autonomous branches that determine their own programs of activities, including technical meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and training courses. These branches are governed by an Executive Committee, which includes the elected Executive, other Society office-holders, and representatives nominated by the branches.

One of CASANZ's key objectives is to promote the protection of the environment through various activities. They provide a platform for members to share knowledge and practical experience in environmental and air quality management. CASANZ also organises lectures, exhibitions, public meetings, and conferences to enhance understanding of environmental matters, particularly those pertaining to air quality.

To achieve its goals, CASANZ has established several Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These include the Measurement Special Interest Group, which focuses on ensuring that atmospheric pollutants and industrial emissions are measured using appropriate methods, and the Air Policy Special Interest Group, which aims to advance air policy development and foster responsible air quality-related risk communication.

Through its initiatives, CASANZ strives to improve air quality and encourage environmental protection in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. With its extensive membership and commitment to knowledge-sharing, CASANZ plays a crucial role in addressing air pollution and its impact on the environment.

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