Air Quality

Learn how schools, government agencies, and rural communities are using next-gen air quality sensors to prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke in California.

Air pollution disrupts sleep. Poor air quality affects respiratory health and the central nervous system, while global warming’s nighttime warmth additionally interferes with the body’s circadian thermoregulation.

In San Francisco, New York, and London, public transportation lowers greenhouse gases and other pollutants, improving urban air quality and supporting public health.

Electric Vehicles eliminate tailpipe air pollution but still produce some emissions from wear, charging, and manufacturing. Cleaner energy and battery recycling help reduce EV air pollution.

Ambient and indoor air pollution come from different sources but often mix, exposing people to harmful pollutants like particulate matter, and contributing to long-term health and environmental problems.

Air pollution has changed over time, with sources evolving from wood burning and smelting to widespread fossil fuel use, industrial emissions, and intensified wildfires.

Cities around the world are improving air quality by introducing Low Emission Zones (LEZs), Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs), and congestion pricing. From London to Warsaw to New York, these measures reduce vehicle emissions, ease traffic, and support public health.

Air pollution in the U.S. rises significantly during the Fourth of July due to fireworks, increased travel, and backyard grilling. Sustainable celebrations and air quality monitoring can help lessen the harmful impact.

Air pollution threatens children's health from the womb through adolescence, increasing risks of respiratory, cognitive, and chronic conditions. Early exposure can cause lifelong harm, underscoring the need for monitoring and protective action.

Smog includes two main types: sulfurous smog, linked to coal burning and sulfur dioxide, and photochemical smog, formed by sunlight-driven reactions between nitrogen oxides and VOCs, producing ozone and particulate matter.