Understanding Air Pollution
Nearly 99% of the global population is exposed to air that fails to meet standards, leading to 7 million premature deaths annually due to pollution.
Major pollutants include particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) and gases like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, primarily from burning fuels for energy, transportation, and agriculture.
Health Implications and Awareness
Air pollution significantly contributes to early deaths, with short-term exposure causing respiratory issues and long-term exposure leading to severe heart and lung diseases.
Over 6,000 cities monitor air quality, and many use an Air Quality Index (AQI) to inform the public, though standards and interpretations vary globally.