What is air quality? Definition, importance and key factors

Air quality refers to the state of the air we breathe and its composition in terms of pollutants present in the atmosphere. It is considered good when pollutant levels are low and do not pose a risk to human health, the environment, or the economy. In contrast, poor air quality can have serious repercussions across all these areas.

The importance of monitoring and improving air quality is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in the context of urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. Technologies like the Kunak AIR Pro and Kunak AIR Lite, designed for pollutant monitoring, enable cities and companies to effectively manage and reduce their emissions.

Why is air quality important?

Impact on human health

Air pollution is directly linked to respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds recommended quality limits. Particles such as PM2.5, which can penetrate deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, are associated with diseases such as asthma, heart attacks, and lung cancer (WHO, 2021).

Consequences for the environment

Poor air quality also affects ecosystems by acidifying soils and water, damaging crops, and reducing biodiversity. For example, high levels of tropospheric ozoneTropospheric ozone (O3) or ground-level ozone is a gas found in the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, the troposphere, which extends up to 10 kilomet...
Read more can inhibit plant growth, negatively impacting agriculture and forests.

Economic and social repercussions

Air pollution represents a significant cost to public health systems and affects labor productivity. A World Bank study estimated that global costs associated with poor air quality exceed 5 trillion dollars annually.

Factors affecting air quality

Primary and secondary pollutants

Primary pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO)The carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas (colorless and odorless) that, at the same time, is a silent killer because in just a few minutes it exhibits ...
Read more or sulfur dioxide (SO2), are emitted directly into the air. In contrast, secondary pollutants, like ozone (O3), form through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Sources of atmospheric pollution

• Natural sources: volcanoes, sandstorms, and forest fires.
• Anthropogenic sources: emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, agriculture, and fossil energy use.

Meteorological and geographical factors

Wind, humidity, and topography play a crucial role in the dispersion and concentration of pollutants. For example, cities surrounded by mountains often face accumulation problems.

How is air quality measured?

Air Quality Index (AQI)The air we breathe is essential to life. Good air quality makes us feel better and protects our health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the pollutants...
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The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool that translates complex pollutant data into a simple scale indicating how healthy the air is. For example, a “moderate” level suggests that some sensitive individuals might experience adverse effects.

Technologies and tools for monitoring

Traditional stations have been complemented by advanced sensors like the Kunak AIR Pro, which offers real-time, precise data. Its smart cartridge system facilitates maintenance and enhances measurement reliability.

Factors to consider in measurement

It is crucial to ensure that measurements are representative, considering location and time. Additionally, regular calibration and maintenance of devices ensure their reliability.

Main pollutants affecting air quality

Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1)

PM2.5 particles, with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, are especially dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. They are associated with fuel burning and industrial processes.

Pollutant gases

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): associated with traffic and industrial processes.
• Ozone (O3): a secondary pollutant that harms both health and crops.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These compounds, present in paints, solvents, and cleaning products, contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone and affect both indoor and outdoor air quality.

Strategies to improve air quality

Regulations and public policies

Regulations like the European Air Quality Directive have set limits for major pollutants, promoting the transition to clean energies.

Technological innovations

Using solutions like the Kunak AIR Lite allows for monitoring specific pollutants, facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, tools like remote management platforms optimize the operation of these devices.

Individual and community actions

Small changes, such as opting for public transport or using renewable energy, can significantly reduce pollutant emissions.

Current air quality context

Urban vs. rural air quality

Cities often face higher levels of pollution due to traffic and industrial activity. In contrast, rural areas can be affected by agricultural activities and natural sources.

Climate change effects on air quality

Climate change exacerbates air pollution by increasing the frequency of events like heatwaves and forest fires, which release large amounts of pollutants.

Indoor vs. outdoor air quality

Indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air due to chemicals, combustion, and poor ventilation. Solutions like Kunak’s sensors can monitor both environments.

FAQs about air quality

What does moderate air quality mean?

Moderate air quality indicates that pollutant levels are not dangerous for most people, but they could pose a risk for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, or people with respiratory diseases. For example, an AQI between 51 and 100 is considered moderate. In these cases, sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities.

What are PM2.5 pollutants and why are they dangerous?

PM2.5 are microscopic particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers that affect both indoor and outdoor air quality. These particles are generated from processes such as burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and indoor activities like cooking or smoking indoors. Due to their small size, they can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing inflammation and diseases like asthma, heart attacks, and lung cancer. Additionally, in indoor environments, where people spend a significant amount of time, PM2.5 accumulation due to inadequate ventilation can exacerbate its harmful effects. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to these particles is associated with increased premature mortality and global disease burden (WHO, 2021).

How can I know if the air quality in my area is good?

You can consult tools like Kunak’s air monitoring apps or official websites that offer real-time data on air quality. These platforms allow you to review key indicators such as particle concentration, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, to help you understand whether the air you breathe is healthy or if additional precautions are needed.

What are the main measures to protect myself from pollution?

• Avoid physical activities outdoors during high pollution episodes.
• Use air purifiers indoors to filter out harmful particles and gases.
• Keep windows closed on days with poor air quality.
• Opt for public transport or electric vehicles to reduce personal emissions.

Why is it important to measure indoor and outdoor air quality?

Indoor and outdoor air quality are equally relevant but present unique challenges.

• Indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air due to sources such as cleaning products, tobacco smoke, or cooking fuels.
• On the other hand, outdoor air quality is often affected by industrial emissions, traffic, and natural phenomena like forest fires.

Monitoring both environments with advanced devices, like those offered at Kunak, allows for detecting specific issues and taking appropriate measures, such as improving ventilation indoors or reducing emissions outdoors.

How do Kunak solutions contribute to improving air quality?

Kunak offers advanced technologies like Kunak AIR Pro and Kunak AIR Lite, which measure key pollutants in real-time with high precision. These solutions enable governments, companies, and communities to implement effective actions to reduce pollution and protect public health. Additionally, remote management of devices through smart platforms allows for more efficient data control and resource management.

Conclusion: Air quality, a global challenge

Air quality affects all aspects of our lives: health, environment, and economy. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort between governments, companies, and citizens. Tools like those offered by Kunak enable progress toward cleaner air, promoting a sustainable future.

References

Referencias

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). “Air Pollution and Health.” Available at: https://www.who.int/
• World Bank. (2016). “The Cost of Air Pollution: Strengthening the Economic Case for Action.” Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/
• European Environment Agency (EEA). (2022). “Air quality in Europe – 2022 report.” Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/