Dirty Air Crisis Affects Most of the World

A recent report by Switzerland-based IQAir has shed light on a pressing issue: the vast majority of the world's population is breathing dirty air. According to their findings, only 17% of cities worldwide meet the air pollution guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This alarming statistic reveals that approximately 99% of people are exposed to air that does not meet these standards at some point in their lives. The implications for public health are severe, as polluted air contributes to an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year.

The Data Behind the Report

IQAir analyzed data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 138 countries. The results were sobering, with countries like Chad, Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India ranking among those with the dirtiest air. Notably, India alone accounted for six out of the nine most polluted cities globally, with Byrnihat being identified as the worst offender. This highlights a significant disparity in air quality across different regions and underscores the urgent need for action.

Despite these findings, experts caution that actual pollution levels may be even higher than reported due to inadequate monitoring in many areas. For instance, Africa has only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people, making it difficult to assess true air quality levels accurately.

Health Risks Associated with Air Pollution

The health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air are profound. According to Fatimah Ahamad, chief scientist at Malaysia's Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, long-term exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The WHO has previously stated that 99% of the global population lives in areas where air quality fails to meet recommended levels.

Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly are particularly at risk; UNICEF reports that over 500 million children breathe unhealthy air in East Asia and Pacific countries alone.

Efforts to Combat Air Pollution

In response to this crisis, several cities have successfully implemented measures to improve air quality through stricter regulations on emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. Cities like Beijing and Seoul have made significant strides by promoting cleaner energy solutions and investing in public transportation systems.

Additionally, regional agreements such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreement on transboundary haze pollution aim to tackle pollution from large forest fires—a common issue during dry seasons in Southeast Asia. While progress has been made, experts like Shweta Narayan from the Global Climate and Health Alliance stress that much more needs to be done.

Starting With Monitoring

With over 6,000 cities now monitoring their air quality through various indices (AQI), understanding local conditions has become more accessible for many communities. However, discrepancies exist between how different countries calculate AQI scores due to varying standards. For example, India's PM2.5 limit is significantly higher than those set by WHO or other nations like Thailand.

This inconsistency complicates efforts for individuals trying to gauge their exposure levels accurately. Moreover, while staying indoors or using masks can help mitigate exposure during poor air quality days, these solutions are not feasible for everyone—especially those who work outdoors or lack access to protective equipment.

Of course, indoor air pollution also poses a significant threat due to common household activities such as cooking or burning incense sticks. While air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollutants, they often come with limitations regarding effectiveness and affordability.