A WHO report shows how bad air pollution is. Here are petitions and tips for shopping for an air purifier with a HEPA filter for clean air.
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It seems good air is hard to come by these days. For most of the world, the air we breathe is full of particle pollution. According to a report published in March 2024 by IQAir, a Swiss company specializing in air quality monitoring, only 7 countries were able to comply with the air pollution guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) last year. This shortfall is largely attributed to the ongoing dependency on fossil fuels and the repercussions of climate change. The report also stresses the importance of advocating for policies and investments such as cleaner transport and energy efficient homes to reduce the global threat of air pollution.
Naturally, as a publication focused on the steps we can take towards sustainability, we’ve rounded up advice on how to push your local legislators to be active on upcoming policies. And we’ve connected with Tom Kluz, healthcare technology futurist and biomedical expert, to share his insight on how to shopping for an air purifier with a hepa filter to improve your air quality at home.
Highs & Lows From The Air Quality Report
The countries with the most contaminated air were Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. The particle pollution levels in these countries were at least 10 times higher than what is recommended by the World Health Organization. It was observed that over 92% of the countries and regions examined surpassed the particulate pollution guidelines, including the United States.
Among the nations that successfully adhered to the WHO’s air quality guidelines were Finland, Estonia, Australia, New Zealand, Grenada, Iceland, and Mauritius. The United States came in at 33rd place.
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This year, Canada’s air pollution levels exceeded those of the U.S., following a wildfire season that saw an unprecedented 45 million acres go up in flames. The smoke from Canada’s wildfires had a detrimental effect on U.S. air quality and contributed to an overall uptick in particle pollution from 2022 to 2023, as per the report.
The study indicates the pressure on global health from air pollution that is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels and are escalating due to other elements such as climate change-induced wildfires. This is one of the reasons why regions like Western Europe are witnessing an improvement in pollution levels as they transition to electric economies, while air quality in others is deteriorating.
Advocate For Better Air Quality
The first step for any advocacy campaign is to gather your facts. If you’re curious about your city’s air pollution levels, use resources such as this interactive map to see air pollution data in real time. When writing to your local policy maker, you can use these facts and statistics to urge them to actively adopt legislation to improve air quality and move us away from fossil fuels.
Here are key actions the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Congress and other federal leaders must take to protect public health from air pollution and climate change:
- Sign your name to this petition thanking the Biden administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for their leadership on methane issues while urging them to continue to commitments to invest in clean air progress.
- Write to your city about adopting policies to address and reduce air pollution such as investments in improved public transport and renewable energy, efficient energy-designed buildings, and bans on burning industrial waste.
- Tell Congress that we need investments in zero-emission vehicles.
How To Shop For An Air Purifier With Hepa Filters
Living in a city with high levels of air pollution can have a negative impact on your health. Poor air quality is linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Outside of advocacy you can protect and purify the air in your own home by purchasing plants, reducing your use of toxic cleaners, and purchasing an air purifier with a hepa filter. As an expert in biomedical engineering and a career focused on the healthcare sector, Thomas Kluz has decades of experience seeing cutting-edge technology and research for advancements in air quality. Below, he shares three easy tips for choosing the best air purifier for your home.
$350
What emerging technologies are there that can improve air quality indoors?
Emerging technologies that can improve air quality indoors include advancements in filtration systems, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, and ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation. Additionally, innovations like ‘cold plasma’ technology and photocatalytic oxidation are gaining traction for their ability to effectively neutralize pollutants and pathogens in indoor environments.
What should consumers look for to ensure that they’re purchasing the best air purification system?
Consumers should look for several key factors to ensure they’re purchasing the best air purification system for their needs. Firstly, consider the size of the space you intend to purify and choose a system with the appropriate coverage area. Look for systems with multiple filtration stages, including an air purifier with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters, to effectively remove a wide range of pollutants. Additionally, consider features like air quality sensors, programmable settings, and noise levels to ensure the system meets your specific requirements.
Do you use ceramics for air purification in your home?
Yes, I do use ceramics for air purification in my home. Ceramics are an excellent choice for air purification because they have the ability to absorb moisture from the air, thereby creating an environment that is less conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, ceramics can help to remove odors and other airborne contaminants, resulting in cleaner and fresher indoor air quality.