1. What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, such as gases, particles, and chemicals, that can negatively impact health and the environment.
2. How Does Air Quality Affect Us?
Health Impacts:
Respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis).
Cardiovascular issues (heart attacks, strokes).
Increased risks for children, elderly, and people with preexisting conditions (World Health Organization, 2021) .
Environmental Impacts:
Climate change (greenhouse gas emissions).
Crop damage and reduced biodiversity.
Acid rain affecting soil and water.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency., n.d. B)​
3. What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
Scale: 0-500 (Good to Hazardous).
Categories:
Good (Green): 0-50 (Safe for all).
Moderate (Yellow): 51-100 (Safe for most, some risk for sensitive groups).
Unhealthy (Red): 151-200 (Everyone may be affected).
Hazardous (Maroon): 301+ (Emergency conditions for all).
(AirVisual, n.d.)
Where to Check AQI:
Websites: AirNow.gov, aqicn.org.
Apps: AirNow, AQICN.
4. Major Sources of Air Pollution
Vehicle emissions (e.g., traffic congestion).
Factories and industrial facilities.
Construction and demolition dust.
Burning waste or agricultural residues.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency., n.d. B)
5. Tools to Monitor Air Quality
AirNow App: Provides real-time AQI updates in the U.S.
AQICN: Global air quality data for over 100 countries.
Local Resources: Check your city’s air monitoring services or apps.
6. Actions You Can Take
To Reduce Pollution:
Use public transportation or carpool.
Reduce energy consumption.
Avoid burning waste or wood.
To Protect Yourself:
Stay indoors during high AQI days.
Use air purifiers.
Wear masks to reduce inhalation of pollutants.
Quick References
AQI Chart and Health Recommendations (Color-coded guide). (AirVisual, n.d.)
References:
AirVisual. (n.d.). Air quality index (AQI) guide. IQAir. www.iqair.com/world-air-quality
Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, May 5). What you can do to reduce air pollution. www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/what-you-can-do-reduce-air-pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d. A). Air quality index (AQI). www.airnow.gov/aqi/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d. B). Sources of air pollution. Environmental Protection Agency. www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/sources-air-pollution
World Health Organization. (2021, October 27). Air pollution. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health