Buzz
Particulates make up one aspect of air pollution, yet they carry serious health risks—especially those smaller than 2.5 microns. Particulate pollution can worsen asthma and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. So, how much of it are you inhaling?
The New York Times offers a tool that compares your city's air pollution levels (as measured by Berkeley Earth, which also provides useful maps) with some of the most polluted cities in the world.
In Pittsburgh, where I am, the highest level of particulate pollution last year was 44 micrograms per cubic meter, a concentration that falls under the category of 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' New York City and Chicago have similar air quality. In contrast, Houston's pollution levels are classified as 'unhealthy,' while Mexico City's air quality is labeled 'very unhealthy.' (Rural areas are not included in the tool; you will need to select the nearest major city.)
The situation is even more alarming. Several cities in California suffer from severe air pollution, largely due to the increasing frequency of wildfires linked to climate change. For instance, San Francisco is categorized as 'very unhealthy' with a peak level of 197. Looking beyond the U.S., Beijing's pollution is deemed 'hazardous,' and New Delhi's air quality is rated 'extreme,' with a staggering 900 µg/m3.
If you live in a region with high pollution levels, wearing a particulate-filtering mask can help. However, the most effective solution is to encourage major decision-makers—such as corporations and governments—to take steps to curb pollution. The World Health Organization highlights that the main sources of air pollution are also significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. This means that policies designed to reduce air pollution offer a 'win-win' scenario: they not only improve health by decreasing pollution-related diseases but also play a key role in both short- and long-term climate change mitigation.
