Blue skies can’t guarantee you clean air *

Nearly the entire global population (99%) is exposed to polluted air that does not meet WHO standards, causing 7 million premature deaths per year. The most affected cities are in Asia, but the rest of the world is far from being safer.

THE MAIN SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
The main sources of air pollution can be categorized into natural and human-made sources:

1. Human-Made Sources (Major Contributors)

• Burning Fossil Fuels: Power plants, vehicles, and industries burning coal, oil, gas, and diesel release pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
• Agricultural Activities: Burning crop residues and forests for land clearing releases smoke and PM. Livestock farming produces methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas. Fertilizers release ammonia (NH₃), contributing to air pollution.
• Industrial Emissions: Factories release toxic gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals like lead and mercury.
• Household Pollution: Burning wood, coal, or biomass for cooking and heating releases PM and carbon monoxide (CO).
• Waste Management: Open burning of waste releases dioxins, furans, and toxic gases. Landfills emit methane.
• Construction and Mining: These activities release dust (PM 10), heavy metals, and other pollutants into the air.

2. Natural Sources

• Wildfires: Emit large amounts of smoke, carbon monoxide, and PM.
• Volcanic Eruptions: Release sulfur dioxide, ash, and toxic gases.
• Dust Storms: Strong winds lift fine dust (PM 10 and PM 2.5), affecting air quality.
• Pollen and Biological Pollutants: Mold spores, pollen, and bacteria contribute to air pollution, affecting respiratory health.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for premature death, after high blood pressure. In the short term, it triggers asthma attacks and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In the long term, it causes chronic lung and heart diseases. In Asia, more than 500 million children breathe unhealthy air, with 100 children under the age of five dying every day due to pollution.

HOW TO MONITOR AIR QUALITY NEAR YOU
More than 6,000 cities in 117 countries monitor air pollution. Data is expressed through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which varies based on national standards, making international comparisons difficult.

Here an example of map you can use to check the air quality in real time in several worldwide countries: aqicn

To review more detailed data, we invite you to consult your national air pollution monitoring institute.

PERSONAL PROTECTION STRATEGIES

• Avoid exposure on high-pollution days (by staying indoors or wearing masks).
• Be aware of indoor pollution, which can come from household activities like cooking or burning incense.
• Use air sanitizers, like the Puricraft ones, or at least air purifiers indoor and inside the vehicles. (do you know the difference between air sanitization and purification? here a short guide)

In summary, air pollution is a global issue with severe health consequences, but there are strategies and devices to reduce exposure and minimize risks.

*cit. Tanushree Ganguly of the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago