Quotes
If you have bad water, no water, you can tell people to wait for half an hour a day, the water will come. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing,
she said
In the United States, PM2.5 emissions continue to be a critical air quality challenge. A recent comprehensive study on trends in PM2.5 source apportionment over the past 20 years found that, while pollution control measures have significantly reduced emissions from fossil-fueled power generation, there has been little to no decrease in PM2.5 emissions from vehicles and biomass burning. In 2024, wildfires burned nearly nine million acres, an area roughly the size of Taiwan."
IQAir's 2024 World Air Quality Report said
Despite advances in pollution control technology for other sectors, the persistent emissions from vehicles and biomass burning remain a significant obstacle to improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with fine particulate matter exposure."
According to the reportWhile this marks some progress, much more work has yet to be done to protect human health, especially that of children,
IQAir said in the report
It can cause chest pain or shortness of breath, and can make it harder to manage conditions like high blood pressure,
says Guttmann
Harmful air pollution particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs of children, and these deeply embedded toxins can stunt lung growth,
explains BladesPollution triggers inflammation in the brain, disrupting neural connections and reducing oxygen supply,
says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition HealthAir pollution has both immediate and long-term impacts on health, causing inflammation and irritation of the airways, which can lead to symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulties,
says Jonathan Blades, head of policy at Asthma + Lung UKIf you have a minor eye health problem, the pharmacy should be your first port of call,
advises MarchettiWhen walking outside we are confronted with pollution from road traffic and industry, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2),
highlights Francesca Marchetti, optometrist and adviser to GoldenEyeIncreased exposure to polluted air has been associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression,
highlights AllderPollutants such as fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause inflammation in the body, making blood vessels stiffer and less able to function properly,
explains Dr Oliver Guttmann, consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UKWearing masks in high-traffic areas can also help protect brain health and lower the risk of pollution-related neurological damage,
adds AllderMoisture twice a day and look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to keep the skin hydrated and resilient,
recommends PerryThis makes sure dirt is removed from the skin, including pollutants which are invisible to the naked eye,
explains PerryWe have implemented measures, including restrictions on industrial emissions and better waste management. The city’s geographical location and meteorological conditions exacerbate pollution levels during winter, leading to frequent smog episodes,
he said
Air quality data saves lives. It creates much-needed awareness, informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities to take action to reduce air pollution and protect future generations,
he saidMost countries have a few other data sources, but it's going to impact Africa significantly, because oftentimes these are the only sources of publicly available real-time air quality monitoring data,
said Christi Chester-Schroeder, IQAir's air quality science manager
(It ... It) is a giant blow to air quality efforts worldwide,
she saidAir pollution doesn’t kill us immediately – it takes maybe two to three decades before we see the impacts on health, unless it’s very extreme,
said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir