Air quality refers to the levels of pollution present in the atmosphere, both outdoors and indoors, and how these pollutants affect our health and the environment. Today, concern about this issue has increased due to the impacts of climate change and increasing pollution in cities.
Definition and factors influencing air quality
Air quality is determined by the concentration of various suspended substances, such as particles and gases, which have harmful effects on health.
Air pollutants include PM10 and PM2.5 particles, chemical compounds such as benzene or formaldehyde, and gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
What is interesting is that not all pollutants behave in the same way. For example, CO2 is part of the natural cycle of life on the planet.
As I once mentioned, ‘we breathe in oxygen and breathe out CO2, and there are other organisms that use CO2 to produce oxygen’.
The problem is that we are generating so much CO2 globally that it is no longer just a natural cycle, but an environmental problem that contributes to global warming.
Why is it important to measure air quality?
Knowing air quality is essential to prevent and mitigate its effects on health.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), it is possible to categorise pollution levels into different degrees, ranging from acceptable to hazardous. This index allows cities and individuals to make informed decisions on how to protect themselves from exposure to high levels of pollution.
Main types of air pollutants
Throughout my experiences, I have identified three main groups of pollutants. Understanding them allows us to act more effectively to improve air quality.
Chemical pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde and more
These chemical pollutants include substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and other compounds emitted by cars, carpets or industrial products. They directly affect our health, causing respiratory diseases or more serious problems. It is crucial to have systems that can filter them out of the air, especially indoors.
For example, in research projects I have worked on, we have applied filtering solutions that are very effective in removing these pollutants in enclosed spaces.
‘If we have an air filtration system in an office, we can absorb all the chemical components and leave the air clean’.
CO2: A pollutant or part of the natural cycle?
Carbon dioxide (CO2), although often perceived as a pollutant, is in fact not. As I said before, it is part of the planet’s natural cycle. However, when it accumulates in large quantities due to human activities, it contributes to the climate crisis.
In terms of impact on our health, CO2 is not a critical pollutant in small concentrations, although its excess affects the global level, accelerating climate change.
Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and its impact on health
Particulate matter, known as PM10 and PM2.5, are microscopic dust particles floating in the air. They are particularly dangerous for the lungs, as they can enter the respiratory system and cause health problems.
As I mentioned, our lungs have their own filtering system, but they ‘have a limit’, and when this limit is exceeded, the particles can accumulate and seriously affect our breathing.
How air quality is measured
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the most commonly used tool for assessing air purity. It measures concentrations of several key pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone and PM particles. Depending on the levels, the AQI classifies air quality into categories such as good, moderate or hazardous.
Current measurement stations and technologies
Currently, there are monitoring stations strategically located in different cities that capture real-time data on air quality. These stations, together with technological advances such as urban sensors, help to manage air quality policies in urban and rural areas.
Solutions to improve air quality
Fortunately, there are several ways to improve air quality, both indoors and outdoors. Some solutions are nature-based, while others use technology to purify indoor air.
Nature-based solutions: Urban Bio Filter and vegetation systems
As already mentioned, ‘plants play a crucial role in global CO2 reduction’. However, indoors, plants are not as effective in removing CO2 in small quantities, although they can help reduce other pollutants.
Projects such as Urban Bio Filtro focus on using plants and urban vegetation to improve air quality in cities by acting as natural filters.
Indoor air filtration: how purification systems work
In enclosed spaces, where chemical pollutants are more of a problem, we have developed highly effective air purification systems. For example, in offices, the use of filtration systems can remove substances such as benzene and particulate matter, creating a much healthier environment.
The importance of attacking pollutants at source
‘It is always best to go to the source’, as I pointed out earlier. This means reducing the emission of pollutants rather than just trying to eliminate them once they are in the air. An example of this is the work we have done to absorb pollutants directly from the outlet of boilers, before they enter the atmosphere.
This approach is much more efficient than trying to capture pollutants once they are in the environment.
Health impacts of air quality
Exposure to poor air quality can have serious health consequences. From respiratory diseases to cardiovascular problems, pollutants can affect both the short and long term.
Respiratory problems and other effects on human health
Air pollutants such as NO2 and PM2.5 particles are known to cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis. In addition, prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to more serious problems, such as lung cancer or cardiovascular disease.
How we can help improve air quality
Reducing air pollution is a shared responsibility between governments, businesses and individuals. Every action counts, whether it is installing air filters at home, reducing car use, or supporting stricter environmental policies.
Individual changes and city-level solutions
In cities, limiting car use and encouraging the use of public transport or electric vehicles can help significantly. For example, in cities like Madrid, when NO2 levels are high, traffic is restricted to reduce pollutant emissions.
Plants and filter systems: What can we do at home and in the office?
At the individual level, we can install air filtering systems in our homes and offices. It is also useful to have plants that absorb certain pollutants and improve the overall environment. However, it is important to remember that the impact of plants on CO2 is limited in enclosed spaces, and purification systems are much more effective for chemical pollutants.
I hope this article has provided you with a clear view on air quality and ways to improve it, both from a personal and urban approach. If you are interested in learning more about innovative solutions such as the Urban Bio Filter, feel free to investigate further how you can contribute to cleaner air.
