How to monitor Air Pollution from space?
Air pollution has become one of the biggest challenges for modern cities. The increase in concentrations of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO₂), tropospheric ozone(O₃), sulfur dioxides (SO₂), and benzo(a)pyrenes negatively affects the health and well-being of all polluted regions. It is also a huge threat to biodiversity and the functioning of the ecosystems. Reports by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) warn about serious health effects related to exposure to pollutants, indicating a reduction in life expectancy and an increase in the number of premature deaths. One year – the average decrease in life expectancy in Europe due to PM exposure, according to WHO data. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) mainly come from anthropogenic combustion processes (including transportation, energy production, and other industrial activities). These oxides are highly toxic at high concentrations on the surface. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report in 2018, there were 55,000 premature deaths due to NO₂ in Europe, considered one of the most dangerous air pollutants. It is responsible for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, weakening of lung immune functions, asthma, etc
One year – the average decrease in life expectancy in Europe due to PM exposure, according to WHO data.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) mainly come from anthropogenic combustion processes (including transportation, energy production, and other industrial activities). These oxides are highly toxic at high concentrations on the surface. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report in 2018, there were 55,000 premature deaths due to NO₂ in Europe, considered one of the most dangerous air pollutants. It is responsible for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, weakening of lung immune functions, asthma, etc
Standards and Regulations
In the European Union, specific norms for pollutant concentrations aim to protect human health and the environment. The World Health Organization has set even more restrictive levels, emphasizing the need for global action to improve air quality. Enhancing air quality requires the commitment of both authorities and individuals. Reducing traffic, proper planning and management of city green areas, promoting eco-friendly transport, investing in pollution-reducing technologies, and daily decisions to choose public transport or bicycles over cars are key steps towards cleaner air. In the European Union: NO₂ – 200 µg/m³ (hourly), O₃ – 120 µg/m³ (eight-hourly), SO₂ – 125 µg/m³ (daily). For comparison, the World Health Organization has set the following permissible concentration levels: NO₂ – 25 µg/m³ (daily), O₃ – 100 µg/m³ (eight-hourly), SO₂ – 40 µg/m³ (daily), CO – 4 mg/m³ (daily).