Air Quality Database 2022: WHO
GS Paper – 3 Environmental Pollution & Degradation
Why in the news?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued the Air Quality Database 2022, which indicates that almost the entire world population (99 percent) breaths air that exceeds WHO’s air quality regulations.
- For the first time, the WHO measured yearly mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations on the ground (NO2). It also includes measurements of Particulate Matter with dimensions of 10 m or less (PM10) or 2.5 m or less (PM2.5) (PM2.5).
- The findings have prompted WHO to emphasise the necessity of reducing the use of fossil fuels and implementing other concrete efforts to lower air pollution levels.
- Previously, the 2021 World Air Quality Report produced by IQAir (a Swiss organisation) identified India as having 11 of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia in 2021.
What are the Results?
- Harmful Air: More than 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, yet their populations continue to breathe unhealthy amounts of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with individuals in poor and middle-income nations being the most vulnerable.
- Increased Data Collection: Up to 2,000 additional cities and human settlements are currently collecting ground monitoring data for particulate matter, PM10 and/or PM2.5, then in the previous release (2018).
- This is an almost sixfold increase in reporting since the database’s inception in 2011.
- Air Pollution’s Impact: Meanwhile, the evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution to the human body is fast expanding, pointing to considerable impairment caused by even low levels of several air contaminants.
Particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5, has the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and into the circulation, producing Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular (stroke), and Respiratory effects.
NO2 is linked to respiratory disorders, notably asthma, resulting in respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing), hospitalizations, and emergency department visits.
Compliance with WHO Air Quality Limits: Of the 117 nations monitoring air quality, 17 percent of cities in high-income countries have air quality that falls below WHO’s PM 2.5 or PM 10 guidelines.
In poor and middle-income nations, less than 1% of cities have air quality that meets WHO recommendations.
What are the World Health Organization’s New Air Quality Guidelines?
- The 2021 recommendations propose new air quality standards to preserve people’s health by lowering levels of important air pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change.
- Countries that strive to meet these guidelines will be safeguarding public health as well as minimising global climate change.
- The WHO decision lays the groundwork for future policy shifts in the government toward the development of newer, tougher criteria.
- The WHO’s new guidelines propose air quality standards for six contaminants where knowledge on health impacts from exposure has improved the greatest.
- Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide are the six traditional contaminants (CO).
What Suggestions Are There to Improve Air Quality and Health?
- Adopt or update national air quality standards in accordance with the most recent WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
- Keep an eye on the air quality and look for sources of pollution.
- Encourage the use of clean domestic energy only for cooking, heating, and lighting.
- Construct safe and inexpensive public transportation systems, as well as pedestrian and bicycle-friendly networks.
- Implement tighter car emissions and efficiency regulations, as well as mandated vehicle inspection and maintenance.
- Invest in energy-efficient homes and renewable energy generating.
- Improve waste management in industry and municipalities
- Reduce the incineration of agricultural waste, forest fires, and some agroforestry operations (e.g. charcoal production)
- Include air pollution in health professional courses and provide instruments for the health sector to engage.
