Updated map of air pollution - 92% of the population breathes polluted air

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established updated map of air pollution on Earth. According to this map, the vast majority of people live in areas with access of air pollution. "New WHO model allows us to see the countries with dangerous sources of air pollution, as well as provides a measure to combat these sources," – says Flavia Bustreo, Director General of WHO.

Interactive map also shows the connection between the level of air pollution and population health in different countries. Was created a model based on data from satellites and ground stations monitoring air quality. These stations are located in the areas of settlements and outside urban areas. When implementing the project, researchers used information obtained from about 3000 such stations. The work was conducted in collaboration with the University of Bath, UK.


 

• Transportation - all pollutants that get into the atmosphere as a result of road, rail, air, sea and river transport modes;
• Production - this pollutants are the products of technological processes or heating. Burning coal, cement production and the smelting of iron, for example, give the total emission of dust into the atmosphere, equivalent to 170 million tons per year;
• Household - everything that is connected with the burning of fuel in the houses, and waste.

• Mechanical pollutants - different fractions of particulate matter. These are cement, ash particles, etc.
• Chemical contaminants - gaseous or dust-like substance which can enter into chemical reactions;
• Radioactive contaminants.