The changing climate has modified climate patterns that in turn have impacted the levels and location of outdoor air pollutants such as ground-level ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and increased CO2 levels around the world.

The consequences of outdoor air pollution may be more important to young kids, older people, people with an existing heart or lung disease, and individuals who work or exercise outdoors.

Even healthy people may experience health effects from polluted air, including respiratory irritation or difficulty breathing during intense or prolonged outdoor activities. The probability of adverse reactions depends on one’s current health condition, the nature, and concentration of the pollutant, and the time of exposure to the contaminated air

Although physical activity is key to good health, the combination of air pollution and exercise can be tough on the body.

One explanation for this higher risk may be that as people normally inhale more oxygen and breathe it deeper into the lungs during vigorous activities such as running, aerobics, the air bypasses the nostrils, generally removing air pollutant particles.

Air pollution & Health problems

Air pollution has been a significant concern in recent decades with extreme genotoxic impacts on human health and the environment. Air pollutants are described as any substance in the air that could affect human health or have a profound effect on the environment.

The major health consequences of exposure to air pollutants are primarily on respiratory, cardiovascular, ophthalmological, dermatological, neuropsychiatric, hematological, metabolic, and reproductive systems.

What is the AQI?

AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a standard that tells you whether ambient air in a specific place is clean or polluted. It also highlights the associated health impact for the people who breath it. The higher the local AQI value is, the greater the level of air pollution and health concerns are.

*Figure: eLichens AQI Table showing concentration levels of Air pollution*

SOLUTIONS

People can also take steps to minimize their exposure to air pollution and protect their health through eLichens Outdoor Stations & Global Air Quality Map.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT LOCAL AIR QUALITY: Providing Reliable air quality information to everybody in the world. eLichens has designed a solution that empowers local communities and organizations to enhance air quality by providing them with ultra-local and geo-specific actionable data through eLos outdoor air stations.

*Pictured: eLos Outdoor Air Quality Station by eLichens is solar-powered and includes a dozen Air Quality sensors*

GLOBAL AIR QUALITY MAP: Free access to elichens new Global Air Quality Map without login. The map now features real-time street-level air pollution data in around 300 global cities of the world. Our map now shows real-time measurements of eLos Outdoor Air Quality Stations and more than 8,000 sensors used worldwide by local air quality agencies.