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WWF Pakistan is tackling air pollution with IQAir. Learn how real-time data is driving change across the country.

","content","In Pakistan, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of air quality data, air quality monitors, and public awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen. In 2024, Pakistan was the third most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 μg/m3 and exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline of 5 μg/m3 by 14.7 times. Numerous cities experienced poor air quality, with high average PM2.5 concentrations measured for Islamabad (52.4 μg/m3), Rawalpindi (65.8 μg/m3), Faisalabad (88.8 μg/m3), Peshawar (91.0 μg/m3), and Lahore (102.1 μg/m3) – all exceeding the WHO recommended guideline by ten times or more. Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat. \"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan. As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.” Why Pakistan Needs Reliable Air Quality Data Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data. \"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained. WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan. “Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data. With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country. Building Pakistan's National Air Quality Network WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing air quality sensors in key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. By coordinating 15 monitoring stations under one national initiative, WWF-Pakistan now operates the country’s largest organized air quality monitoring network, making real-time data accessible to both citizens and policymakers. Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change. Using Air Quality Data to Combat Pollution in Pakistan With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan. \"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.” Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives. With 18,800 followers across its national network, WWF-Pakistan is sharing that data every day with citizens who urgently need real-time air quality information to help protect themselves from pollution. Pakistan's Long-Term Pollution Solutions WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data. \"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution. The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\" “Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.” In October 2024, WWF-Pakistan warned that Lahore’s air quality posed a terrible threat to public health, recommending a number of changes to government policy including helping farmers manage crop waste, expanding mass transit, and improving zoning laws to reduce industrial pollution away from residents. It also noted that low-cost air quality monitoring systems could be used to uncover air pollution hotspots along traffic routes. Armed with that information, governments could restrict heavy transport vehicles or develop alternate routes to avoid congestion (1). Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 60 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2025 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony. Conclusion WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of air quality data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. And by increasing the footprint of air quality monitors across the country, innovative solutions to persistent pollution problems can be put into play. As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters. “This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”","contentHtml","

In Pakistan, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of air quality data, air quality monitors, and public awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen.

In 2024, Pakistan was the third most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 μg/m3 and exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline of 5 μg/m3 by 14.7 times. Numerous cities experienced poor air quality, with high average PM2.5 concentrations measured for Islamabad (52.4 μg/m3), Rawalpindi (65.8 μg/m3), Faisalabad (88.8 μg/m3), Peshawar (91.0 μg/m3), and Lahore (102.1 μg/m3) – all exceeding the WHO recommended guideline by ten times or more.

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat.

\"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan.

As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.”

Why Pakistan Needs Reliable Air Quality Data

Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data.

\"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained.

WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data.

With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country.

Building Pakistan's National Air Quality Network

WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing air quality sensors in key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. By coordinating 15 monitoring stations under one national initiative, WWF-Pakistan now operates the country’s largest organized air quality monitoring network, making real-time data accessible to both citizens and policymakers.

Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change.

Using Air Quality Data to Combat Pollution in Pakistan

With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan.

\"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.”

Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives.

With 18,800 followers across its national network, WWF-Pakistan is sharing that data every day with citizens who urgently need real-time air quality information to help protect themselves from pollution.

Pakistan's Long-Term Pollution Solutions

WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data.

\"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution.

The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\"

“Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.”

In October 2024, WWF-Pakistan warned that Lahore’s air quality posed a terrible threat to public health, recommending a number of changes to government policy including helping farmers manage crop waste, expanding mass transit, and improving zoning laws to reduce industrial pollution away from residents.

It also noted that low-cost air quality monitoring systems could be used to uncover air pollution hotspots along traffic routes. Armed with that information, governments could restrict heavy transport vehicles or develop alternate routes to avoid congestion (1).

Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 60 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2025 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony.

Conclusion

WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of air quality data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. And by increasing the footprint of air quality monitors across the country, innovative solutions to persistent pollution problems can be put into play.

As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters.

“This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”

","handle","revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","id","gid://shopify/Article/997495079286","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2025-11-12T17:43:03Z","tags",[90,91,92],"title","Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air","image",{"_68":81,"_82":83,"_84":85,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/410126352758","altText","WWF Team standing Next to Solar Panel","url","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_PakistanContributor_Desk_A_a18d7b5d-29f7-4e70-ad5d-e0c4f15aebc6.jpg?v=1762969386","width",2880,"height",1500,"Community","Featured Contributor","Success Stories","news","name","IQAir Staff Writers",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.","

Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.

","“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.” In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data. Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning. \"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.” “It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.” Local expertise, global resources drive innovation Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight. The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity. The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life. These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa. By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa. The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people. While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives. Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said. Cultivating environmental consciousness Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.” “Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.” Conclusion From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.","

“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.”

In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data.

Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air

In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning.

\"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.”

“It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.”

Local expertise, global resources drive innovation

Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight.

The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity.

The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life.

These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa.

By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa.

The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa

The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.

While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.

Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives.

Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow

Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.

The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said.

Cultivating environmental consciousness

Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"

Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.”

“Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.”

Conclusion

From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.

Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.

Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.

","revealing-the-invisible-kenya","gid://shopify/Article/607976751403","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-kenya","2025-12-01T04:00:00Z",[91,92],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_68":109,"_82":110,"_84":111,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415907709302","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_e5ca2c63-ae6e-4f33-85d4-be4ab18dbeb7.jpg?v=1779905059",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"A Detroit childcare center is prioritizing clean air technology in early childhood education. Discover how air quality awareness is changing lives and influencing the next generation.","

A Detroit childcare center is prioritizing clean air technology in early childhood education. Discover how air quality awareness is changing lives and influencing the next generation.

","Air quality awareness and clean air environments are all too often a second thought within busy classrooms, where immediate challenges and childcare obstacles take over. However, in Detroit, Michigan, an early education center is reshaping their air quality concerns and the well-being of their students. Founded by Sentra Johnson-Smith, Sent Loves the Kids Development Center has meshed early education with air quality awareness and data collection through the installation of clean air technology. In partnership with IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids initiative, the Michigan childcare center is leading the charge in bringing pollution awareness through air quality monitoring and filtration to the early childhood education space. Children need clean, safe learning environments Sent Loves the Kids was born from Johnson-Smith's natural connection to children and her desire to holistically shape their early developmental stages. She aims to provide foundational education alongside physical and mental well-being for her students through comprehensive childcare and community connections (1). “Sent Loves The Kids was founded out of my deep love for children and my strong desire to be part of their educational journey,” said Johnson-Smith. “My goal is to nurture and educate the whole child—mind, body, and soul.” In Detroit and other large populous cities alike, these childcare facilities face unique environmental challenges. From urban air pollution to possible lead exposure in water supplies, harmful pollutants can go undetected and sneak into indoor spaces from outside environments. Especially in fast-paced childcare settings, air pollution and environmental concerns can go unnoticed or overshadowed by immediate demands. “Before receiving [an] air monitor, air quality wasn’t on my mind,” Johnson-Smith admitted. “When managing the day-to-day demands of running a facility, air quality was at the bottom of the list.” However, after partnering with IQAir and receiving air quality technology, Johnson-Smith has created a clean air environment for her students and reformed early education learning to encompass air quality awareness. Clean air environments in educational spaces Safe environments and clean air quality are essential to providing a productive learning space for students to thrive in. For children with asthma or allergies, air quality is a daily concern. By employing the Atem X air purifier, the Sent Loves the Kids facility can actively airborne pollutants and produce clean air for students to feel comfortable and safe. “By monitoring the air quality more closely, we can take immediate action when needed, such as adjusting indoor activities or ensuring that children with respiratory conditions are not exposed to triggers,” Johnson-Smith said. Multiple studies have shown children and infants to be among the most vulnerable populations affected by poor air quality. Childhood exposure to long-term air pollution can lead to harmful chronic impacts related to lung development, respiratory health, and asthma (2)(3). However, the utilization of air purifiers and air cleaning tools can drastically lower these risks and improve symptoms. With support from IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids Initiative, Sent Loves the Kids now provides a safe environment for teachers, students, and faculty alike through clean air technology and monitoring. Early education meets air quality awareness With access to real-time air quality monitors that detail various air pollutants and air quality levels, what once was invisible has become impossible to ignore for the Sent Loves the Kids facility. Data collection and air quality monitoring has allowed Johnson-Smith to build safeguards around child healthcare and create immersive lesson plans surrounding local air quality environments. Sent Loves the Kids takes air quality awareness a step further, teaching the next generation about environmental impact and air quality safety. According to Johnson-Smith, “incorporating air quality awareness into our educational programming not only aligns with our mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment but also helps children understand the importance of caring for their health and the planet.” After setting up the AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, Johnson-Smith noticed more air quality events and pollutant concerns, modifying school schedules and activities to maintain a safe environment for children and faculty alike. With the combination of clean air filtration and monitoring, Sent Loves the Kids has become a safe breathing and learning environment for students and teachers alike. Conclusion Sent Loves the Kids proves that meaningful childcare changes doesn’t require a large facility or financial burdens. Through air quality monitoring, filtration, and environmental education, Johnson-Smith is laying the groundwork for the next generation to breathe easier and healthier. With the support of IQAir science-backed air quality technology and a passionate mission, any childcare provider or community facility can make an impactful difference in lives of children, families, and the broader local community.","

Air quality awareness and clean air environments are all too often a second thought within busy classrooms, where immediate challenges and childcare obstacles take over. However, in Detroit, Michigan, an early education center is reshaping their air quality concerns and the well-being of their students.

Founded by Sentra Johnson-Smith, Sent Loves the Kids Development Center has meshed early education with air quality awareness and data collection through the installation of clean air technology. In partnership with IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids initiative, the Michigan childcare center is leading the charge in bringing pollution awareness through air quality monitoring and filtration to the early childhood education space.

Children need clean, safe learning environments

Sent Loves the Kids was born from Johnson-Smith's natural connection to children and her desire to holistically shape their early developmental stages. She aims to provide foundational education alongside physical and mental well-being for her students through comprehensive childcare and community connections (1).

“Sent Loves The Kids was founded out of my deep love for children and my strong desire to be part of their educational journey,” said Johnson-Smith. “My goal is to nurture and educate the whole child—mind, body, and soul.”

In Detroit and other large populous cities alike, these childcare facilities face unique environmental challenges. From urban air pollution to possible lead exposure in water supplies, harmful pollutants can go undetected and sneak into indoor spaces from outside environments. Especially in fast-paced childcare settings, air pollution and environmental concerns can go unnoticed or overshadowed by immediate demands.

“Before receiving [an] air monitor, air quality wasn’t on my mind,” Johnson-Smith admitted. “When managing the day-to-day demands of running a facility, air quality was at the bottom of the list.”

However, after partnering with IQAir and receiving air quality technology, Johnson-Smith has created a clean air environment for her students and reformed early education learning to encompass air quality awareness.

Clean air environments in educational spaces

Safe environments and clean air quality are essential to providing a productive learning space for students to thrive in. For children with asthma or allergies, air quality is a daily concern. By employing the Atem X air purifier, the Sent Loves the Kids facility can actively airborne pollutants and produce clean air for students to feel comfortable and safe.

“By monitoring the air quality more closely, we can take immediate action when needed, such as adjusting indoor activities or ensuring that children with respiratory conditions are not exposed to triggers,” Johnson-Smith said.

Multiple studies have shown children and infants to be among the most vulnerable populations affected by poor air quality. Childhood exposure to long-term air pollution can lead to harmful chronic impacts related to lung development, respiratory health, and asthma (2)(3). However, the utilization of air purifiers and air cleaning tools can drastically lower these risks and improve symptoms.

With support from IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids Initiative, Sent Loves the Kids now provides a safe environment for teachers, students, and faculty alike through clean air technology and monitoring.

Early education meets air quality awareness

With access to real-time air quality monitors that detail various air pollutants and air quality levels, what once was invisible has become impossible to ignore for the Sent Loves the Kids facility.

Data collection and air quality monitoring has allowed Johnson-Smith to build safeguards around child healthcare and create immersive lesson plans surrounding local air quality environments. Sent Loves the Kids takes air quality awareness a step further, teaching the next generation about environmental impact and air quality safety.

According to Johnson-Smith, “incorporating air quality awareness into our educational programming not only aligns with our mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment but also helps children understand the importance of caring for their health and the planet.”

After setting up the AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, Johnson-Smith noticed more air quality events and pollutant concerns, modifying school schedules and activities to maintain a safe environment for children and faculty alike. With the combination of clean air filtration and monitoring, Sent Loves the Kids has become a safe breathing and learning environment for students and teachers alike.

Conclusion

Sent Loves the Kids proves that meaningful childcare changes doesn’t require a large facility or financial burdens. Through air quality monitoring, filtration, and environmental education, Johnson-Smith is laying the groundwork for the next generation to breathe easier and healthier.

With the support of IQAir science-backed air quality technology and a passionate mission, any childcare provider or community facility can make an impactful difference in lives of children, families, and the broader local community.

","detroit-childcare-center-embraces-clean-air","gid://shopify/Article/1002153509238","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/detroit-childcare-center-embraces-clean-air","2026-07-20T17:09:37Z",[90,92],"Detroit childcare center achieves clean air and data monitoring awareness",{"_68":125,"_82":-5,"_84":126,"_86":127,"_88":128},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/418784674166","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/A_711a0f0b-37dc-4393-8ebc-3ed6f90da591.jpg?v=1786554670",839,674,{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative has been expanding regional air quality monitoring for the last 10 years. Learn about the initiative’s journey and the new wave of pollutant monitoring.","

The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative has been expanding regional air quality monitoring for the last 10 years. Learn about the initiative’s journey and the new wave of pollutant monitoring.

","Polluted outdoor air affects millions of people living in densely populated cities. In 2025, Pakistan ranked as the world’s most polluted country for air quality, with cities and regions regularly experiencing unhealthy to very unhealthy levels of pollution. Lahore, one of the country’s largest urban centers, was ranked the eighth most polluted city in the world, according to the 2025 World Air Quality Report. For Abid Omar, an environmental advocate and founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI), the fight for cleaner air has centered on making pollution visible, measurable, and impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, his work has helped establish over 300 air quality monitors across Pakistan. These monitors have strengthened public access to pollution data and raised awareness of the health risks associated with poor air quality. Pakistan's environmental history, the growth of grassroots activism, and the expansion of air quality monitoring show how transparency and public engagement can drive meaningful progress toward cleaner air. How Pakistan’s air quality shaped a movement Seasonal smog is a recurring environmental challenge in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, where winter pollution can reduce visibility, disrupt transportation, and expose residents to dangerous levels of airborne pollutants. “During the smog season, brick kilns are being shut down and polluting industrial units are being shut down” to limit ongoing pollution in the country, Abid said. During the transition into colder months, crop residue and biomass burning adds to pollution from year-round sources such as transportation, industry, and waste burning, Calm winds and temperature inversion then trap these pollutants near the ground, leading to frequent unhealthy air quality events. Despite the visible effects, limited access to publicly available, real-time air quality data has made it difficult for residents to understand the severity of the problem. Abid Omar recognized that public awareness was a critical first step toward change. Having experienced how air quality information was communicated in Beijing, he saw an opportunity to bring similar transparency to Pakistan. “10 years ago, the wake-up moment for me was this access to air quality data. At that time, courtesy of the US Embassy in Beijing, they would put out an hourly tweet of air quality,” Abid said. Abid helped spotlight air pollution as a public health and environmental policy issue within Pakistan. Using AirVisual monitoring and air quality mapping, Abid founded the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative to raise air quality awareness and build public support for clean air policies. Building a network one monitor at a time The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) emerged from this need for reliable, publicly accessible air quality information. Abid began building a network of citizen-operated air quality monitors across major Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad. “My mission to solve air pollution in Pakistan through data, research, and advocacy has become, in many ways, a passion project, but it also has already made a measurable impact.” Abid said. “My mission to solve air pollution in Pakistan through data, research and advocacy has become in many ways a passion project, but it also has already made a measurable impact.” - Abid Omar By installing AirVisual monitors, PAQI helped fill gaps in air quality reporting and enabled people to follow pollution levels through online and mobile platforms. These measurements offered a clearer picture of how air quality changed throughout the day and across seasons, while helping residents recognize when conditions posed a health risk. The initiative's impact extended beyond public awareness. In 2017, historical monitoring data collected through Abid's AirVisual monitor network was submitted as supplementary evidence during proceedings before the Lahore High Court concerning the government's response to air pollution. The case helped demonstrate how community-collected data could support policy changes and encourage stronger public health measures. “It took nine years from the first public real-time data available to have the first reliable real-time air quality data being provided by the government. Which in 2017, was mandated by a judgment of the Lahore High Court,” Abid said. In 2023, Pakistan’s National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) was approved by the Federal Cabinet, marking an important step towards clean air. The policy aims to reduce regional PM2.5 levels and common sources of air pollutants by 2030, including industrial smoke, transportation emissions, and waste burning (1). PAQI’s air quality awareness continues to draw support from organizations and global leaders. Through funding from The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), PAQI has installed 70 additional air quality monitors across Pakistan, bringing valuable air quality data to more communities and strengthening the foundation for clean air support. How policies and regulations are shifting in Pakistan As air conscious living increases in Pakistan, new air quality initiatives are forming to reinforce environmental policies and reduce harmful pollutant emissions, such as the Vehicular Emission Control Action Plan and the Punjab Clean Air Program. Introduced in 2025, the Vehicular Emission Control Action Plan (VECAP) was created by the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency to address rising air pollution and smog levels. Developed in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, and Traffic Police, the initiative focuses on strengthening vehicle emissions enforcement and transitioning toward cleaner fuels. The plan specifically targets pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5, which are associated with vehicle exhaust emissions (2). Approved in 2025, the Punjab Clean Air Program targets regional air quality concerns and addresses them through increased monitoring and maintained regulations within specific communities (3). With $300 million in financing from the World Bank, the program aims to achieve reduced PM2.5 concentrations and sustainable transportation routes by 2030. The Punjab Clean Air Program further refines the work started by the Punjab Green Development Program – a government initiative aimed at improving greater environmental conditions and climate change. In 2025, government officials in Punjab, Pakistan, announced the installation of 30 air quality monitoring stations, contributing to the expansion of air data networks. (4). Supported by the Punjab Green Development Program, Punjab officials plan to continue installing up to 100 air quality stations, with hourly alerts and pollutant measurements for public awareness. Alongside the air quality monitors, the program will also contribute to the introduction of 600 electric buses into the public transportation system. With the expansion of air quality networks across various initiatives, Punjab government officials are focusing on setting up and implementing regulatory-grade monitors, specifically designed for PM2.5 measurements and standardized data. However, the greater Pakistan region does not have a government operated nationwide air quality network, leading to a pollutant awareness gap for communities with no real-time data access. Greater collaboration between federal and provincial environmental agencies could help standardize monitoring methods, improve public access to pollution data, and support more consistent enforcement of emissions regulations. Expanding transparent, publicly accessible air quality information would also allow communities to better understand local pollution risks while helping policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of environmental interventions. A new era for air quality monitoring In recent years, PAQI has expanded the AirVisual mapping network through the installation of air quality monitors across the Hindu Kush mountainous regions, such as Skardu and Gilgit. Provided by IQAir, these monitors are paving the way for new communities to experience air quality awareness and data collection. Abid plans to continue his air mapping work by reaching regions with limited air quality data and expanding the types of airborne pollutants measured. “My next step for that monitoring is that we also want to go beyond just PM2.5. We want to go into multi-pollutant monitoring, so I'm very keen on getting data on black carbon,” Abid said. Comprehensive air quality data can help paint a clearer picture of pollutant activity across regions, allowing new pathways to reform government policies and environmental laws. With innovative AirVisual mapping, Abid created a community surrounding newfound air quality monitoring and awareness. By forming an air-conscious community, collective action can help enact widespread air quality improvements. Building on this monitoring network, PAQI is also researching where pollution comes from. Its emissions inventories examine sources such as transportation, industry, and waste burning, helping identify opportunities for cleaner air. Through Hawanama and its emissions inventory platform, PAQI is making air quality information and research more accessible, supporting communities, researchers, and policymakers as they work toward practical solutions (5)(6). According to Abid, the next phase of this movement depends on maintaining reliable equipment, improving data quality, and encouraging more communities to participate. By bringing together citizens, environmental organizations, and public institutions, Pakistan can build a stronger foundation for long-term monitoring and evidence-based action. How data and transparency are transforming Pakistan Air quality maps and real-time reporting have evolved considerably in Pakistan, increasing people’s awareness of air quality and various airborne pollutants. With online platforms and new pollutant monitors, air quality monitoring has never been more accessible. Digital platforms, such as IQAir's AirVisual map, help visualize historic and real-time air quality data, combining community-based monitoring and accurate data collection. From dust storms to wildfire smoke, air quality events are continuously captured on the AirVisual map for global transparency through localized monitoring. Data from every AirVisual Indoor and Outdoor Monitor, local air quality data can be pooled, compared across wider regions and countries, and analyzed for shifting trends. AirVisual monitors measure a wide range of air quality factors, including PM2.5, temperature, CO2, humidity, and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) to capture comprehensive pollutant and airborne chemical activity. Transparency also strengthens accountability. Publicly available data can help journalists communicate the severity of pollution, researchers investigate its sources, and policymakers assess whether interventions are making a difference. Laying the foundation in air quality data and pollutant monitoring is an important first step on the path towards cleaner air. However, long-term improvement depends on systematic changes and policy reform. Pathways to cleaner air quality Although expanded monitoring has improved awareness, lasting progress requires reducing pollution at its sources. According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report, Pakistan ranked as the most air polluted country in the world, yet average AQI measurements were lower compared to previous years. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across government, industry, and local communities. What governments and global leaders can doGlobal leaders and government systems have the power to enact policy reformation and support public environmental awareness through impactful actions, such as: Creating standardized government air quality reporting and monitoring Reviewing environmental laws and air pollution policies Enforcing emissions standards for vehicles and industrial facilities Supporting alternatives to open waste burning and crop residue burning Increasing public transportation routes Supporting clean air funding and local organizations Initiating clean air campaigns and promoting public awareness Employing air quality monitors across government offices and meeting spaces Utilizing air filtration systems in shared government buildings in shared government buildings What local organizations and communities can doLocal organizations and community members can create environmental change through improved filtration systems, increased air quality awareness tactics, and public campaigning, such as: Funding clean air initiatives Installing air quality monitors across neighborhoods and major cities Utilizing ultrafine air filtration in shared spaces such as community buildings, libraries, and family homes Supporting clean air campaigns and environmental community events Incorporating air quality mapping and monitoring into educational lesson plans Using public transportation Conclusion A decade of air quality monitoring in Pakistan demonstrates how access to information can help turn environmental concern into collective action. Through the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, Abid Omar has helped increase the visibility of air pollution, raise public awareness, and show how citizen-generated data can contribute to policy discussions and legal accountability. The challenge ahead is to translate that awareness into measurable improvements in the air people breathe. More monitoring alone cannot eliminate pollution, but reliable data can help communities identify problems, hold institutions accountable, and evaluate solutions. Sustained collaboration between citizens, scientists, and policymakers will be essential to turning greater transparency into healthier communities and cleaner air.","

Polluted outdoor air affects millions of people living in densely populated cities. In 2025, Pakistan ranked as the world’s most polluted country for air quality, with cities and regions regularly experiencing unhealthy to very unhealthy levels of pollution. Lahore, one of the country’s largest urban centers, was ranked the eighth most polluted city in the world, according to the 2025 World Air Quality Report.

For Abid Omar, an environmental advocate and founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI), the fight for cleaner air has centered on making pollution visible, measurable, and impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, his work has helped establish over 300 air quality monitors across Pakistan. These monitors have strengthened public access to pollution data and raised awareness of the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Pakistan's environmental history, the growth of grassroots activism, and the expansion of air quality monitoring show how transparency and public engagement can drive meaningful progress toward cleaner air.

How Pakistan’s air quality shaped a movement

Seasonal smog is a recurring environmental challenge in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, where winter pollution can reduce visibility, disrupt transportation, and expose residents to dangerous levels of airborne pollutants.

“During the smog season, brick kilns are being shut down and polluting industrial units are being shut down” to limit ongoing pollution in the country, Abid said.

During the transition into colder months, crop residue and biomass burning adds to pollution from year-round sources such as transportation, industry, and waste burning, Calm winds and temperature inversion then trap these pollutants near the ground, leading to frequent unhealthy air quality events. Despite the visible effects, limited access to publicly available, real-time air quality data has made it difficult for residents to understand the severity of the problem.

Abid Omar recognized that public awareness was a critical first step toward change. Having experienced how air quality information was communicated in Beijing, he saw an opportunity to bring similar transparency to Pakistan.

“10 years ago, the wake-up moment for me was this access to air quality data. At that time, courtesy of the US Embassy in Beijing, they would put out an hourly tweet of air quality,” Abid said.

Abid helped spotlight air pollution as a public health and environmental policy issue within Pakistan. Using AirVisual monitoring and air quality mapping, Abid founded the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative to raise air quality awareness and build public support for clean air policies.

Building a network one monitor at a time

The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) emerged from this need for reliable, publicly accessible air quality information. Abid began building a network of citizen-operated air quality monitors across major Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad.

“My mission to solve air pollution in Pakistan through data, research, and advocacy has become, in many ways, a passion project, but it also has already made a measurable impact.” Abid said.

“My mission to solve air pollution in Pakistan through data, research and advocacy has become in many ways a passion project, but it also has already made a measurable impact.”

- Abid Omar

By installing AirVisual monitors, PAQI helped fill gaps in air quality reporting and enabled people to follow pollution levels through online and mobile platforms. These measurements offered a clearer picture of how air quality changed throughout the day and across seasons, while helping residents recognize when conditions posed a health risk.

The initiative's impact extended beyond public awareness. In 2017, historical monitoring data collected through Abid's AirVisual monitor network was submitted as supplementary evidence during proceedings before the Lahore High Court concerning the government's response to air pollution. The case helped demonstrate how community-collected data could support policy changes and encourage stronger public health measures.

“It took nine years from the first public real-time data available to have the first reliable real-time air quality data being provided by the government. Which in 2017, was mandated by a judgment of the Lahore High Court,” Abid said.

In 2023, Pakistan’s National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) was approved by the Federal Cabinet, marking an important step towards clean air. The policy aims to reduce regional PM2.5 levels and common sources of air pollutants by 2030, including industrial smoke, transportation emissions, and waste burning (1).

PAQI’s air quality awareness continues to draw support from organizations and global leaders. Through funding from The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), PAQI has installed 70 additional air quality monitors across Pakistan, bringing valuable air quality data to more communities and strengthening the foundation for clean air support.

How policies and regulations are shifting in Pakistan

As air conscious living increases in Pakistan, new air quality initiatives are forming to reinforce environmental policies and reduce harmful pollutant emissions, such as the Vehicular Emission Control Action Plan and the Punjab Clean Air Program.

Introduced in 2025, the Vehicular Emission Control Action Plan (VECAP) was created by the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency to address rising air pollution and smog levels. Developed in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, and Traffic Police, the initiative focuses on strengthening vehicle emissions enforcement and transitioning toward cleaner fuels. The plan specifically targets pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5, which are associated with vehicle exhaust emissions (2).

Approved in 2025, the Punjab Clean Air Program targets regional air quality concerns and addresses them through increased monitoring and maintained regulations within specific communities (3). With $300 million in financing from the World Bank, the program aims to achieve reduced PM2.5 concentrations and sustainable transportation routes by 2030.

The Punjab Clean Air Program further refines the work started by the Punjab Green Development Program – a government initiative aimed at improving greater environmental conditions and climate change.

In 2025, government officials in Punjab, Pakistan, announced the installation of 30 air quality monitoring stations, contributing to the expansion of air data networks. (4). Supported by the Punjab Green Development Program, Punjab officials plan to continue installing up to 100 air quality stations, with hourly alerts and pollutant measurements for public awareness. Alongside the air quality monitors, the program will also contribute to the introduction of 600 electric buses into the public transportation system.

With the expansion of air quality networks across various initiatives, Punjab government officials are focusing on setting up and implementing regulatory-grade monitors, specifically designed for PM2.5 measurements and standardized data. However, the greater Pakistan region does not have a government operated nationwide air quality network, leading to a pollutant awareness gap for communities with no real-time data access.

Greater collaboration between federal and provincial environmental agencies could help standardize monitoring methods, improve public access to pollution data, and support more consistent enforcement of emissions regulations. Expanding transparent, publicly accessible air quality information would also allow communities to better understand local pollution risks while helping policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of environmental interventions.

A new era for air quality monitoring

In recent years, PAQI has expanded the AirVisual mapping network through the installation of air quality monitors across the Hindu Kush mountainous regions, such as Skardu and Gilgit. Provided by IQAir, these monitors are paving the way for new communities to experience air quality awareness and data collection. Abid plans to continue his air mapping work by reaching regions with limited air quality data and expanding the types of airborne pollutants measured.

“My next step for that monitoring is that we also want to go beyond just PM2.5. We want to go into multi-pollutant monitoring, so I'm very keen on getting data on black carbon,” Abid said.

Comprehensive air quality data can help paint a clearer picture of pollutant activity across regions, allowing new pathways to reform government policies and environmental laws. With innovative AirVisual mapping, Abid created a community surrounding newfound air quality monitoring and awareness. By forming an air-conscious community, collective action can help enact widespread air quality improvements.

Building on this monitoring network, PAQI is also researching where pollution comes from. Its emissions inventories examine sources such as transportation, industry, and waste burning, helping identify opportunities for cleaner air. Through Hawanama and its emissions inventory platform, PAQI is making air quality information and research more accessible, supporting communities, researchers, and policymakers as they work toward practical solutions (5)(6).

According to Abid, the next phase of this movement depends on maintaining reliable equipment, improving data quality, and encouraging more communities to participate. By bringing together citizens, environmental organizations, and public institutions, Pakistan can build a stronger foundation for long-term monitoring and evidence-based action.

How data and transparency are transforming Pakistan

Air quality maps and real-time reporting have evolved considerably in Pakistan, increasing people’s awareness of air quality and various airborne pollutants. With online platforms and new pollutant monitors, air quality monitoring has never been more accessible.

Digital platforms, such as IQAir's AirVisual map, help visualize historic and real-time air quality data, combining community-based monitoring and accurate data collection. From dust storms to wildfire smoke, air quality events are continuously captured on the AirVisual map for global transparency through localized monitoring.

Data from every AirVisual Indoor and Outdoor Monitor, local air quality data can be pooled, compared across wider regions and countries, and analyzed for shifting trends. AirVisual monitors measure a wide range of air quality factors, including PM2.5, temperature, CO2, humidity, and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) to capture comprehensive pollutant and airborne chemical activity.

Transparency also strengthens accountability. Publicly available data can help journalists communicate the severity of pollution, researchers investigate its sources, and policymakers assess whether interventions are making a difference. Laying the foundation in air quality data and pollutant monitoring is an important first step on the path towards cleaner air. However, long-term improvement depends on systematic changes and policy reform.

Pathways to cleaner air quality

Although expanded monitoring has improved awareness, lasting progress requires reducing pollution at its sources. According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report, Pakistan ranked as the most air polluted country in the world, yet average AQI measurements were lower compared to previous years. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across government, industry, and local communities.

What governments and global leaders can do
Global leaders and government systems have the power to enact policy reformation and support public environmental awareness through impactful actions, such as:

Creating standardized government air quality reporting and monitoring
Reviewing environmental laws and air pollution policies
Enforcing emissions standards for vehicles and industrial facilities
Supporting alternatives to open waste burning and crop residue burning
Increasing public transportation routes
Supporting clean air funding and local organizations
Initiating clean air campaigns and promoting public awareness
Employing air quality monitors across government offices and meeting spaces
Utilizing air filtration systems in shared government buildings in shared government buildings

What local organizations and communities can do
Local organizations and community members can create environmental change through improved filtration systems, increased air quality awareness tactics, and public campaigning, such as:

Funding clean air initiatives
Installing air quality monitors across neighborhoods and major cities
Utilizing ultrafine air filtration in shared spaces such as community buildings, libraries, and family homes
Supporting clean air campaigns and environmental community events
Incorporating air quality mapping and monitoring into educational lesson plans
Using public transportation
\n

Conclusion

A decade of air quality monitoring in Pakistan demonstrates how access to information can help turn environmental concern into collective action. Through the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, Abid Omar has helped increase the visibility of air pollution, raise public awareness, and show how citizen-generated data can contribute to policy discussions and legal accountability.

The challenge ahead is to translate that awareness into measurable improvements in the air people breathe. More monitoring alone cannot eliminate pollution, but reliable data can help communities identify problems, hold institutions accountable, and evaluate solutions.

Sustained collaboration between citizens, scientists, and policymakers will be essential to turning greater transparency into healthier communities and cleaner air.

","revealing-the-invisible-decade-fighting-for-clean-air-pakistan","gid://shopify/Article/1003839586678","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-decade-fighting-for-clean-air-pakistan","2026-11-09T22:07:02Z",[145,90,146,92],"Revealing the Invisible: A decade of fighting for clean air in Pakistan",{"_68":142,"_82":143,"_84":144,"_86":127,"_88":128},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421651906934","Contributor Abid Omar","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Article_AbidOmar_Desk.jpg?v=1794003584","Air Quality","Featured articles",{"_53":54,"_55":199,"_11":200,"_58":201,"_60":201,"_62":202,"_64":203,"_66":204,"_68":205,"_70":206,"_72":-5,"_73":207,"_75":208,"_77":209,"_79":210},{"_53":54,"_55":183,"_11":184,"_58":185,"_60":185,"_62":186,"_64":187,"_66":188,"_68":189,"_70":190,"_72":-5,"_73":191,"_75":192,"_77":193,"_79":194},{"_53":54,"_55":168,"_11":169,"_58":170,"_60":170,"_62":171,"_64":172,"_66":173,"_68":174,"_70":175,"_72":-5,"_73":176,"_75":177,"_77":178,"_79":179},{"_53":54,"_55":151,"_11":152,"_58":153,"_60":153,"_62":154,"_64":155,"_66":156,"_68":157,"_70":158,"_72":-5,"_73":159,"_75":160,"_77":161,"_79":162},{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Learn more how scented candles release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit — and can harm your health.","Are scented candles bad for you?Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.Paraffin waxAre paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like: alkenes acetone benzene toluene These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).Is burning candles bad for you?In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including: allergies asthma COPD (5) respiratory tract infections heart attacks strokes cancer So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).Chemical fragrancesAnother problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7): formaldehyde petroleum distillates limonene alcohol esters These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as: headaches dizziness allergy symptoms asthma attacks respiratory tract infections cancer Cored wicksMany candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).Safer alternativesTo limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air: Use essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma. Simmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. Create potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home. The takeawayLighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.","

Are scented candles bad for you?

Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.

Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.

Paraffin wax

Are paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?

According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).

Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like:

alkenes
acetone
benzene
toluene

These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.

A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).

Is burning candles bad for you?

In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).

A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).

Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including:

allergies
asthma
COPD (5)
respiratory tract infections
heart attacks
strokes
cancer

So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).

Chemical fragrances

Another problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7):

formaldehyde
petroleum distillates
limonene
alcohol
esters

These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as:

headaches
dizziness
allergy symptoms
asthma attacks
respiratory tract infections
cancer
\n\n\t

Cored wicks

Many candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.

Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.

All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.

However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).

Safer alternatives

To limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).

If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air:

\nUse essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma.
\nSimmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove.
\nCreate potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home.

The takeaway

Lighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.

","hidden-dangers-scented-candles","gid://shopify/Article/606869127467","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/hidden-dangers-scented-candles","2016-12-04T22:35:53Z",[166,167],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_68":163,"_82":164,"_84":165,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405721284982","Two lit candles","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/49_scented_desktop_RE_3518d342-9492-4308-82e5-ee4111074a17.jpg?v=1749633010","Health and Wellness","Popular articles",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"They look great on your nightstand, but are they worth their salt as air purifiers? Learn more.","Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?Again, two words: negative ionization.If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.1 Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.2The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O3).There are two main types of ozone: Stratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Tropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke. Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including: Coughing Wheezing Trouble breathing Stuffy nose Dizziness Tingling in arms and legs Fever3,4 Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:5 Stable air temperature Moderate to high humidity Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium Lack of airborne pollutants Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.6Take the claims with a grain of...well, saltSo here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead: Be aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes. Control sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions. Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%. Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites. Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Ventilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels. Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good. Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking. Use an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone. Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.","

Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.

These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.

They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.

But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.

A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.

And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.

Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?

Again, two words: negative ionization.

If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.

In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.

This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.¹ Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.

The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.

Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.²

The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.

And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O₃).

There are two main types of ozone:

\nStratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
\nTropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke.

Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.

If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including:

Coughing
Wheezing
Trouble breathing
Stuffy nose
Dizziness
Tingling in arms and legs
Fever^3,4\n

Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.

So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.

So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?

So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?

The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.

Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:⁵

Stable air temperature
Moderate to high humidity
Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium
Lack of airborne pollutants

Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.⁶

Take the claims with a grain of...well, salt

So here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.

But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.

You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead:

\nBe aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes.
\nControl sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions.\n\n\t
- Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%.
- Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites.
- Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
\n\n\t
\nVentilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels.\n\n\t
- Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good.
- Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking.
\n\n\t
\nUse an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone.

Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.
\n\n

","himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/606869356843","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","2019-06-17T13:49:29Z",[145,166,167],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_68":180,"_82":181,"_84":182,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406288400758","Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_HimalayanSalt_061419_750_ebdb5244-3cb4-49a7-b887-47de5134ba96.jpg?v=1751543557",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"How can you know what air purifier manufacturers to trust? Let's look more critically at air purification.","The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification. But not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction. What should I look for in an air purifier? Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier. 1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry. What is a HEPA filter? High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market. But it wasn’t always that way. Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1). Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2). HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants. In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3). Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size. 2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal. All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA. To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4). The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5). So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6). Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less. Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media. 3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA. While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air. Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in. How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think: Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen. Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields. Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter). Air passes through the activated carbon bed. Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area. Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8). Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes. Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to. The takeaway Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are: HyperHEPA media for particle filtration No system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing Activated carbon for gas and odor filtration But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier. What should I avoid in an air purifier? When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited. But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase. So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health. Ionizer air purifiers Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture. Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10). But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12): Ionizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions. Ionizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations. Verdict Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.” Ozone Generators It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13). Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm. However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18): Ozone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases. Ozone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children. Indoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks. Verdict Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets. UV Light Purifiers Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20). One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI. In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21). But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26): Bacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful. Some bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light. UV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5. Many UV air purifiers produce ozone. UV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer. Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter. Verdict Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated. What do I do now? At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system. So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality: Get a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence. Use advanced gas-phase filtration. Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon. The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration. Use a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere. Install a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality. Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs. The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.","

The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification.

But not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction.

What should I look for in an air purifier?

Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier.

$\"Air$

1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry.

What is a HEPA filter?

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1).

Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2).

HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants.

In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3).

Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.

The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems.

Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size.

2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal.

All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA.

To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4).

The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5).

So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6).

Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less.

Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media.

3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA.

While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air.

Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in.

How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think:

Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen.
Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields.
Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter).
Air passes through the activated carbon bed.
Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area.

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8).

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes.

Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to.

The takeaway

Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are:

\nHyperHEPA media for particle filtration
\nNo system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing
\nActivated carbon for gas and odor filtration

But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier.

What should I avoid in an air purifier?

When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited.

But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase.

So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health.

Ionizer air purifiers

Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture.

Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10).

But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12):

\nIonizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions.
\nIonizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. \n

Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations.

Verdict

Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.”

Ozone Generators

It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13).

Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm.

However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18):

\nOzone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases.
\nOzone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children.
\nIndoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks.

Verdict

Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets.

UV Light Purifiers

Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20).

One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI.

In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21).

But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26):

\nBacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful.
\nSome bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light.
\nUV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5.
Many UV air purifiers produce ozone.
\nUV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer.

Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter.

Verdict

Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated.

What do I do now?

At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system.

So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality:

\nGet a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence.
\nUse advanced gas-phase filtration.\n
- Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon.
- The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration.
\n
\nUse a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere.
\nInstall a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality.

Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs.

The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.

","do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/606869193003","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","2022-01-02T14:14:32Z",[198,166,167],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_68":195,"_82":196,"_84":197,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/408358224246","Close-up of what appears to be a room air purifier with some plants in the background (another indoor air purifying tool that has been shown to be ineffective in improving indoor air quality).","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_misconceptions-about-air-purifiers_5058ed72-2e8d-4b0f-9570-93510f9f1f89.jpg?v=1758212336","Air Cleaning Technology",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Learn why wildfire smoke poses a health risk to people living far downwind and what you can do to help protect yourself.","When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation. The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways: by robbing it of oxygen through particulate matter irritation Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.1 Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke. What’s in wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfire smoke often contains: water vapor particulate matter trace minerals carbon dioxide carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O3) levels volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants) Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body. Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including: the types of wood and vegetation burning the moisture content the fire temperature wind conditions other weather-related influences The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health. Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs. The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body. Clean the air with high-performance air filtration Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers Click here Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:2 Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition. Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population. Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease. Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk. Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia. Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.3 The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.4 Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.5 The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition. How wildfire smoke behaves Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as: weather geographical terrain the stage of the fire wind Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you. Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact. Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts. Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.6 Wildfire safety tips Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires. Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires. Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available. Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help. Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants. Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO2 from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire. Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO2, and NO2, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health. Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions. During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air. The takeaway Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source. Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks. By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.","

When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.

The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.

Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways:

by robbing it of oxygen
through particulate matter irritation

Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.¹

Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke.

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire.

Wildfire smoke often contains:

\n
water vapor
\n
\n
particulate matter
\n
\n
trace minerals
\n
\n
carbon dioxide
\n
\n
carbon monoxide
\n
\n
nitrogen oxides
\n
\n
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O₃) levels
\n
\n
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants)
\n

Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body.

$\"What's$

Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir

Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including:

\n
the types of wood and vegetation burning
\n

\n
the moisture content
\n
\n
the fire temperature
\n
\n
wind conditions
\n
\n
other weather-related influences
\n

The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health.

Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs.

The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body.

Clean the air with high-performance air filtration
Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers

Click here

Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations

Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:²

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Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition.
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Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population.
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Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease.
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Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk.
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\n
Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia.
\n

Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.³

The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.⁴

Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.⁵ The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition.

 Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition.

How wildfire smoke behaves

Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as:

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weather
\n
\n
geographical terrain
\n
\n
the stage of the fire
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wind
\n

Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you.

$\"placeholder$

Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact.

Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts.

Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.⁶

Wildfire safety tips

Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires.

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Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires.
\n
\n
Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available.
\n
\n
Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help.
\n
\n
Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants.
\n
\n
Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO₂ from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire.
\n
\n
Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO₂, and NO₂, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health.
\n

$\"Google$ $\"App$ $\"Android\"$

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air.

The takeaway

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source.

Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks.

By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.

","how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","gid://shopify/Article/606869291307","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","2025-07-01T20:46:00Z",[145,214,167,215],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_68":211,"_82":212,"_84":213,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415911739766","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_eab3c656-163e-406c-84fa-969d40e0f981.jpg?v=1779917280","Climate","Wildfires",{"_53":54,"_55":291,"_11":292,"_58":293,"_60":294,"_62":295,"_64":296,"_66":297,"_68":298,"_70":299,"_72":-5,"_73":300,"_75":301,"_77":302,"_79":303},{"_53":54,"_55":276,"_11":277,"_58":278,"_60":279,"_62":280,"_64":281,"_66":282,"_68":283,"_70":284,"_72":-5,"_73":285,"_75":286,"_77":287,"_79":288},{"_53":54,"_55":260,"_11":261,"_58":262,"_60":263,"_62":264,"_64":265,"_66":266,"_68":267,"_70":268,"_72":-5,"_73":269,"_75":270,"_77":271,"_79":272},{"_53":54,"_55":242,"_11":243,"_58":244,"_60":245,"_62":246,"_64":247,"_66":248,"_68":249,"_70":250,"_72":-5,"_73":251,"_75":252,"_77":253,"_79":254},{"_53":54,"_55":238,"_11":239,"_58":131,"_60":132,"_62":133,"_64":134,"_66":135,"_68":136,"_70":137,"_72":-5,"_73":138,"_75":240,"_77":140,"_79":241},{"_53":54,"_55":222,"_11":223,"_58":224,"_60":225,"_62":226,"_64":227,"_66":228,"_68":229,"_70":230,"_72":-5,"_73":231,"_75":232,"_77":233,"_79":234},{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Pakistan's air quality deteriorates every winter as crop burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions drive AQI into hazardous ranges. Learn more about the causes and when conditions may improve.","

Pakistan's air quality deteriorates every winter as crop burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions drive AQI into hazardous ranges. Learn more about the causes and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in Pakistan? As of November 9, 2026, air quality in Pakistan remains poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to hazardous range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 1:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time, GMT+5), some urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 600, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, Pakistan’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 67.3 µg/m³, nearly 14 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. This level corresponds to an AQI of 156, classified as “unhealthy,” making Pakistan the most polluted country globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report. Air quality map of Pakistan and neighboring countries as of 1:00 PM (PST) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Pakistan? As of November 9, 2026, several major cities across Pakistan are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Faisalabad Gujranwala Lahore Multan Peshawar Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Pakistan's air quality map. Lahore ranked among the world's most polluted major cities as of 1:00 PM (PST) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Pakistan? Pakistan's air quality follows a well-documented seasonal pattern, with pollution peaking from October through February as temperature inversions and stagnant cold air trap pollutants near the surface. Spring months from March through May see a secondary elevation driven by dust and wheat harvesting, while the monsoon season from June through September provides the only period of meaningful relief. Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing. Lasting improvement requires effective enforcement of anti-smog regulations and regulation of crop residue burning across Punjab (1). What is causing poor air quality in Pakistan? The root causes of air pollution in Pakistan include industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, agricultural practices like overuse of fertilizers and crop residue burning, biomass and waste burning, domestic fires, and urbanization (2). As autumn transitions into winter, temperature inversions begin to trap pollutants near the surface, preventing dispersal. Crop residue burning from both Pakistani and Indian Punjab peaks between late October and mid-November, adding dense smoke to an already polluted atmosphere, while increasing use of heating fuels and brick kilns further intensifies the pollution burden across major cities (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Pakistan?

As of November 9, 2026, air quality in Pakistan remains poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to hazardous range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 1:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time, GMT+5), some urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 600, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, Pakistan’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 67.3 µg/m³, nearly 14 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. This level corresponds to an AQI of 156, classified as “unhealthy,” making Pakistan the most polluted country globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of Pakistan and neighboring countries as of 1:00 PM (PST) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Pakistan?

As of November 9, 2026, several major cities across Pakistan are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Pakistan's air quality map.

$\"Lahore$ Lahore ranked among the world's most polluted major cities as of 1:00 PM (PST) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Pakistan?

Pakistan's air quality follows a well-documented seasonal pattern, with pollution peaking from October through February as temperature inversions and stagnant cold air trap pollutants near the surface. Spring months from March through May see a secondary elevation driven by dust and wheat harvesting, while the monsoon season from June through September provides the only period of meaningful relief.

Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing. Lasting improvement requires effective enforcement of anti-smog regulations and regulation of crop residue burning across Punjab (1).

What is causing poor air quality in Pakistan?

The root causes of air pollution in Pakistan include industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, agricultural practices like overuse of fertilizers and crop residue burning, biomass and waste burning, domestic fires, and urbanization (2).

As autumn transitions into winter, temperature inversions begin to trap pollutants near the surface, preventing dispersal. Crop residue burning from both Pakistani and Indian Punjab peaks between late October and mid-November, adding dense smoke to an already polluted atmosphere, while increasing use of heating fuels and brick kilns further intensifies the pollution burden across major cities (3).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","pakistan-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/999612154230","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/pakistan-air-quality-alert","2026-11-09T08:38:34Z",[145,214],"Pakistan Air Quality Alert",{"_68":235,"_82":236,"_84":237,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/420949033334","An aerial view of a densely populated urban area, featuring closely packed residential and commercial buildings. A layer of haze and smog reduces visibility, obscuring the distant city skyline.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/KarachiDesktop_7c321413-3ca0-4446-a29b-4d869d0b8a0e.jpg?v=1794213455",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},[145,90,146,92],{"_68":142,"_82":143,"_84":144,"_86":127,"_88":128},{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"One system, every room: whole-house air purification filters air through your existing HVAC system.","

One system, every room: whole-house air purification filters air through your existing HVAC system.

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} .iq-chart__intro { font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 18px; } .iq-chart__table { border-radius: 16px; } .iq-chart thead { display: none; } .iq-chart table, .iq-chart tbody, .iq-chart tr, .iq-chart td { display: block; width: 100%; } .iq-chart tbody tr { padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #DCE2EB; } .iq-chart tbody tr:last-child { border-bottom: 0; } .iq-chart td { padding: 0; border: 0; } .iq-chart td:first-child { margin-bottom: 14px; } .iq-chart td:nth-child(2) { margin-bottom: 12px; } .iq-chart td:nth-child(2)::before, .iq-chart td:nth-child(3)::before { display: block; margin-bottom: 4px; color: #737D8B; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase; } .iq-chart td:nth-child(2)::before { content: \"Particle size coverage\"; } .iq-chart td:nth-child(3)::before { content: \"Best for\"; } } Indoor air can carry more pollutants than the air outside, and most people spend close to 90% of their time indoors, which means most of that exposure happens at home (1). Dust, pet dander, pollen, and ultrafine particles from cooking, fireplaces, and wildfire smoke don't stay contained to the room where they're generated. They move through hallways, HVAC ducts, and open doorways to the rest of the house. Source control and ventilation are still the first line of defense against indoor air pollution. But for pollutants that can't be eliminated at the source, filtration is what closes the gap. A single portable air purifier, while extremely useful for targeted air filtration, can only clean the room it's sitting in. A whole-house air purifier takes a different approach, working through your home's existing HVAC system to filter air throughout every room it serves. What makes indoor air quality hard to control room by room? A portable air purifier is designed to filter one room or area at a time (2). That works well for a bedroom or a home office, but pollutants generated in a kitchen or garage don't respect closed doors, they spread through the house as air moves between rooms, especially in homes with open floor plans, multiple levels, or central air circulation. Common indoor pollutants that spread this way include: Household dust and pet dander Pollen and other seasonal allergens Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paint, and furnishings Ultrafine particles from cooking, fireplaces, and wildfire smoke that infiltrates from outdoors For most homes, covering every space with portable systems means buying, placing, and maintaining several of air purifiers. Whole-house filtration addresses the same pollutants at the point where air already circulates: the HVAC system. How does whole-house air purification work? A whole-house air purifier installs into your home's existing ductwork, typically near the HVAC return, and filters air as it's pulled through the system. Because it draws on air the HVAC system is already moving, it doesn't require its own separate blower, it's what's known as a passive filtration system, meaning its performance depends on how often the HVAC fan runs. Perfect 16 Series is one example of this approach. The system uses four high-efficiency filters arranged in a \"double-V\" configuration, providing more than 170 square feet of filter media. This design means the system delivers up to 50 times the filtration power of a standard HVAC filter. It's rated to capture particles as small as 0.003 microns and is designed to refresh the air in a home up to 125 times per day. Independent testing from Intertek/ETL SEMKO has certified the system above MERV 16, the highest efficiency tier on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value scale, delivering HEPA-like performance without partially bypassing the HVAC. It's available in several models sized to match different HVAC system capacities, so matching the system to an existing system's tonnage matters more than where in the house it's installed. Does a whole-house system replace portable air purifiers? Yes, usually. However, the two can work well together. Research on high-efficiency HVAC filtration has found that its effectiveness depends heavily on how often the system runs; a filter only cleans air while the blower is moving it, so a system that cycles on and off briefly throughout the day won't filter continuously the way a dedicated portable system can in a single room (3). For that reason, homeowners with central air often pair whole-house filtration with a stand-alone air purifier in a bedroom or another frequently used room, particularly if the HVAC system doesn't run continuously. Running the HVAC fan on a continuous or \"on\" setting, rather than only when heating or cooling is active, also helps a whole-house filter do more consistent work. Can whole-house air purification help during wildfire smoke or high-pollution events? Central air filtration has a documented role in reduction indoor pollution during outdoor pollution spikes. An analysis of home filtration interventions during a period of wildfire smoke exposure in Southern California found that improved filtration could meaningfully reduce the hospital admissions and deaths attributable to wildfire particles reaching indoor air (4). Keeping the HVAC fan running continuously, closing windows and doors, and using a high-efficiency filter together give a home the best chance of limiting how much outdoor smoke reaches indoor air during these events. What should you look for in a whole-house air purification system? A few factors matter more than brand or marketing claims: MERV rating: The EPA recommends at least MERV 13 for a meaningful upgrade over a standard furnace filter, with higher ratings like MERV 16 capturing a broader range of fine and ultrafine particles. However, the Perfect 16 Whole House Air Purifier is rated better than MERV 16. Certification: Independent lab certification (such as Intertek/ETL SEMKO) verifies a system's stated efficiency rather than relying on manufacturer claims alone. HVAC compatibility: A whole-house filter has to be sized to an existing system's airflow and ductwork; an HVAC technician can confirm compatibility before installation. Pressure drop: Denser, high-efficiency filters can restrict airflow if not designed carefully, which can strain the HVAC blower. Systems engineered for low pressure drop, like the Perfect 16 Series, avoid adding meaningful extra strain or energy use to the HVAC system. Conclusion Indoor air is often more polluted than the air outside, and pollutants rarely stay confined to the room they came from. A whole-house air purifier addresses that by filtering air at the level of the HVAC system rather than room by room, extending clean air to every space the system serves. Getting the most from one comes down to matching it to your HVAC system's specifications, keeping the fan running consistently, and in homes where the system doesn't run continuously pairing it with a portable system in the rooms used most. Frequently Asked Questions Does a whole-house air purifier increase my energy bill? Passive systems like the Perfect 16 Series use the HVAC system's existing blower rather than a separate motor, so they don't add meaningful electricity use on their own. A denser filter can slightly increase resistance in the ductwork, which is why systems designed for low pressure drop matter. Can I install a whole-house air purifier myself? It's best installed by an HVAC professional, since it has to be matched to your system's airflow capacity and ductwork to avoid restricting performance. How is a whole-house air purifier different from a standard furnace filter? A standard furnace filter is typically rated in the MERV 8–11 range and designed mainly to protect the HVAC equipment. A whole-house air purifier like the Perfect 16 Series is rated above MERV 16 and uses substantially more filter media, so it's built specifically to remove fine and ultrafine airborne particles rather than just larger debris. Do I still need air purifiers in individual rooms? It depends on how often your HVAC system runs. If it cycles on and off throughout the day rather than running continuously, a portable system in a bedroom or other frequently used room can fill in the gaps between cycles. How often do whole-house air purifier filters need to be replaced? This varies by system and how many hours the HVAC fan runs per day, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidance for your specific model rather than a fixed timeline.","\n

Indoor air can carry more pollutants than the air outside, and most people spend close to 90% of their time indoors, which means most of that exposure happens at home (1).

Dust, pet dander, pollen, and ultrafine particles from cooking, fireplaces, and wildfire smoke don't stay contained to the room where they're generated. They move through hallways, HVAC ducts, and open doorways to the rest of the house.

Source control and ventilation are still the first line of defense against indoor air pollution. But for pollutants that can't be eliminated at the source, filtration is what closes the gap. A single portable air purifier, while extremely useful for targeted air filtration, can only clean the room it's sitting in. A whole-house air purifier takes a different approach, working through your home's existing HVAC system to filter air throughout every room it serves.

What makes indoor air quality hard to control room by room?

A portable air purifier is designed to filter one room or area at a time (2). That works well for a bedroom or a home office, but pollutants generated in a kitchen or garage don't respect closed doors, they spread through the house as air moves between rooms, especially in homes with open floor plans, multiple levels, or central air circulation.

Common indoor pollutants that spread this way include:

\nHousehold dust and pet dander
\n
\nPollen and other seasonal allergens
\n
\nVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paint, and furnishings
\n
\nUltrafine particles from cooking, fireplaces, and wildfire smoke that infiltrates from outdoors

For most homes, covering every space with portable systems means buying, placing, and maintaining several of air purifiers. Whole-house filtration addresses the same pollutants at the point where air already circulates: the HVAC system.

How does whole-house air purification work?

A whole-house air purifier installs into your home's existing ductwork, typically near the HVAC return, and filters air as it's pulled through the system. Because it draws on air the HVAC system is already moving, it doesn't require its own separate blower, it's what's known as a passive filtration system, meaning its performance depends on how often the HVAC fan runs.

Perfect 16 Series is one example of this approach. The system uses four high-efficiency filters arranged in a \"double-V\" configuration, providing more than 170 square feet of filter media. This design means the system delivers up to 50 times the filtration power of a standard HVAC filter. It's rated to capture particles as small as 0.003 microns and is designed to refresh the air in a home up to 125 times per day.

Independent testing from Intertek/ETL SEMKO has certified the system above MERV 16, the highest efficiency tier on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value scale, delivering HEPA-like performance without partially bypassing the HVAC. It's available in several models sized to match different HVAC system capacities, so matching the system to an existing system's tonnage matters more than where in the house it's installed.

Does a whole-house system replace portable air purifiers?

Yes, usually. However, the two can work well together. Research on high-efficiency HVAC filtration has found that its effectiveness depends heavily on how often the system runs; a filter only cleans air while the blower is moving it, so a system that cycles on and off briefly throughout the day won't filter continuously the way a dedicated portable system can in a single room (3).

For that reason, homeowners with central air often pair whole-house filtration with a stand-alone air purifier in a bedroom or another frequently used room, particularly if the HVAC system doesn't run continuously. Running the HVAC fan on a continuous or \"on\" setting, rather than only when heating or cooling is active, also helps a whole-house filter do more consistent work.

Can whole-house air purification help during wildfire smoke or high-pollution events?

Central air filtration has a documented role in reduction indoor pollution during outdoor pollution spikes. An analysis of home filtration interventions during a period of wildfire smoke exposure in Southern California found that improved filtration could meaningfully reduce the hospital admissions and deaths attributable to wildfire particles reaching indoor air (4). Keeping the HVAC fan running continuously, closing windows and doors, and using a high-efficiency filter together give a home the best chance of limiting how much outdoor smoke reaches indoor air during these events.

What should you look for in a whole-house air purification system?

A few factors matter more than brand or marketing claims:

\nMERV rating: The EPA recommends at least MERV 13 for a meaningful upgrade over a standard furnace filter, with higher ratings like MERV 16 capturing a broader range of fine and ultrafine particles. However, the Perfect 16 Whole House Air Purifier is rated better than MERV 16.
\n
\nCertification: Independent lab certification (such as Intertek/ETL SEMKO) verifies a system's stated efficiency rather than relying on manufacturer claims alone.
\n
\nHVAC compatibility: A whole-house filter has to be sized to an existing system's airflow and ductwork; an HVAC technician can confirm compatibility before installation.
\n
\nPressure drop: Denser, high-efficiency filters can restrict airflow if not designed carefully, which can strain the HVAC blower. Systems engineered for low pressure drop, like the Perfect 16 Series, avoid adding meaningful extra strain or energy use to the HVAC system.

Conclusion

Indoor air is often more polluted than the air outside, and pollutants rarely stay confined to the room they came from. A whole-house air purifier addresses that by filtering air at the level of the HVAC system rather than room by room, extending clean air to every space the system serves. Getting the most from one comes down to matching it to your HVAC system's specifications, keeping the fan running consistently, and in homes where the system doesn't run continuously pairing it with a portable system in the rooms used most.

\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions

\n\n

Does a whole-house air purifier increase my energy bill?

Passive systems like the Perfect 16 Series use the HVAC system's existing blower rather than a separate motor, so they don't add meaningful electricity use on their own. A denser filter can slightly increase resistance in the ductwork, which is why systems designed for low pressure drop matter.

\n\n

Can I install a whole-house air purifier myself?

It's best installed by an HVAC professional, since it has to be matched to your system's airflow capacity and ductwork to avoid restricting performance.

\n\n

How is a whole-house air purifier different from a standard furnace filter?

A standard furnace filter is typically rated in the MERV 8–11 range and designed mainly to protect the HVAC equipment. A whole-house air purifier like the Perfect 16 Series is rated above MERV 16 and uses substantially more filter media, so it's built specifically to remove fine and ultrafine airborne particles rather than just larger debris.

\n\n

Do I still need air purifiers in individual rooms?

It depends on how often your HVAC system runs. If it cycles on and off throughout the day rather than running continuously, a portable system in a bedroom or other frequently used room can fill in the gaps between cycles.

\n\n

How often do whole-house air purifier filters need to be replaced?

This varies by system and how many hours the HVAC fan runs per day, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidance for your specific model rather than a fixed timeline.

","why-you-need-a-whole-house-air-purifier","gid://shopify/Article/997723505014","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/why-you-need-a-whole-house-air-purifier","2026-11-10T04:00:00Z",[198,146,259],"Why You Need a Whole-House Air Purifier",{"_68":255,"_82":-5,"_84":256,"_86":257,"_88":258},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421462049142","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/WhyYouNeed_WholeHouse_MO.jpg?v=1793294126",840,700,"PerfectPro Series",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"India's air quality deteriorates every winter as stubble burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.","

India's air quality deteriorates every winter as stubble burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in India? As of November 10, 2026, air quality in India remains poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 12:00 PM (Indian Standard Time, GMT+5:30), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\". This level is nearly 9.8 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing India sixth globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report. Air quality map of India and neighboring countries as of 12:00 PM (IST) on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in India? As of November 10, 2026, several major cities across India are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Agra Delhi Jaipur Kanpur Kolkata Lucknow Mumbai Patna Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see India's air quality map. Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally as of 12:00 PM (IST), November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in India? As the monsoon withdraws in October, India's air quality enters its most challenging seasonal period. Temperature inversions and a shallow planetary boundary layer trap pollutants near the surface, sustaining poor to severe AQI categories across India from October through February. Short-term improvements depend on favorable weather, with winds and rain helping to disperse pollutants. Full relief will not arrive until the following monsoon season, and lasting improvement requires stronger policy enforcement and effective regulation of stubble burning. What is causing poor air quality in India? The root causes of air pollution in India include household emissions, power sector emissions, industrial activities, transportation, open burning of crops and waste, and dust, with household emissions contributing about 30 to 50% of ambient PM2.5 levels year-round (1). As autumn transitions into winter, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana peaks between late October and mid-November, explaining 78% of Delhi's aerosol variance during this period (2). Post-monsoon temperature inversions intensify pollution further, with Diwali fireworks adding a sharp additional spike, pushing 80% of cities into severe or hazardous air quality categories on festival nights (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in India?

As of November 10, 2026, air quality in India remains poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 12:00 PM (Indian Standard Time, GMT+5:30), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\". This level is nearly 9.8 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing India sixth globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of India and neighboring countries as of 12:00 PM (IST) on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in India?

As of November 10, 2026, several major cities across India are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Agra
Delhi
Jaipur
Kanpur
Kolkata
Lucknow
Mumbai
Patna

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see India's air quality map.

$\"Most$ Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally as of 12:00 PM (IST), November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in India?

As the monsoon withdraws in October, India's air quality enters its most challenging seasonal period. Temperature inversions and a shallow planetary boundary layer trap pollutants near the surface, sustaining poor to severe AQI categories across India from October through February.

Short-term improvements depend on favorable weather, with winds and rain helping to disperse pollutants. Full relief will not arrive until the following monsoon season, and lasting improvement requires stronger policy enforcement and effective regulation of stubble burning.

What is causing poor air quality in India?

The root causes of air pollution in India include household emissions, power sector emissions, industrial activities, transportation, open burning of crops and waste, and dust, with household emissions contributing about 30 to 50% of ambient PM2.5 levels year-round (1).

As autumn transitions into winter, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana peaks between late October and mid-November, explaining 78% of Delhi's aerosol variance during this period (2). Post-monsoon temperature inversions intensify pollution further, with Diwali fireworks adding a sharp additional spike, pushing 80% of cities into severe or hazardous air quality categories on festival nights (3).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","india-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/999673004406","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/india-air-quality-alert","2026-11-10T07:07:28Z",[145,214],"India Air Quality Alert",{"_68":273,"_82":274,"_84":275,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/420848140662","A foggy, hazy view of India Gate in New Delhi. Several cyclists in bright yellow high-visibility jackets ride along the wide road leading toward the monument, with the arch barely visible through the thick smog.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/DelhiDesktop_6b288fdd-302c-4914-95d5-a86bfdada392.jpg?v=1794294404",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranks among the most polluted major cities in the world as the winter heating season is underway. Find out more about air quality in Ulaanbaatar.","

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranks among the most polluted major cities in the world as the winter heating season is underway. Find out more about air quality in Ulaanbaatar.

","Is the air quality good in Ulaanbaatar? On November 10, 2026, at 9:15 PM (local time), air quality in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is poor with an AQI of 175, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range. These conditions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear a mask when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Ulaanbaatar is ranked the 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday night. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Ulaanbaatar. While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Ulaanbaatar was 17.9 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 63, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 3.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on November 10, 2026, at 9:15 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Ulaanbaatar? Air quality is forecast to improve to the moderate range by tomorrow. Hourly air quality forecast for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir. However, seasonal pollution remains a concern. Research using observations from 2022 to 2024 documented higher PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide concentrations during winter, when heating demand increases (1). Air quality map of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar? Coal burned for heating in households, particularly in the city's ger districts, is a major contributor to air pollution. Cold weather increases heating demand, while the city's location in a valley can make it harder for emissions to disperse (2). Vehicle emissions and other sources also contribute to pollution. A study of monitoring data found that fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide levels generally increased during winter (3). Heating practices can also affect air inside homes. A study of traditional gers found that indoor air quality was affected by heating-related pollution (4). Several factors combine to raise pollution levels during the cold months: Household coal stoves: Ger districts are not connected to central heating, so homes burn coal briquettes at ground level, where smoke does not disperse well. Geography: The city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, which traps emissions near the ground. Power and heating plants: Coal-fired combined heat and power plants supply the city's electricity and district heating. Vehicles: A growing number of vehicles, many of them more than 10 years old, add nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. A 2019 ban on raw coal and a switch to coal briquettes reduced particle pollution, but levels still exceed World Health Organization guidelines (5). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Ulaanbaatar?

On November 10, 2026, at 9:15 PM (local time), air quality in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is poor with an AQI of 175, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range.

These conditions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear a mask when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Ulaanbaatar is ranked the 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday night.

Click here for a real-time air quality map of Ulaanbaatar.

While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Ulaanbaatar was 17.9 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 63, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 3.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on November 10, 2026, at 9:15 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Ulaanbaatar?

Air quality is forecast to improve to the moderate range by tomorrow.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.

However, seasonal pollution remains a concern. Research using observations from 2022 to 2024 documented higher PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide concentrations during winter, when heating demand increases (1).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on November 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar?

Coal burned for heating in households, particularly in the city's ger districts, is a major contributor to air pollution. Cold weather increases heating demand, while the city's location in a valley can make it harder for emissions to disperse (2).

Vehicle emissions and other sources also contribute to pollution. A study of monitoring data found that fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide levels generally increased during winter (3).

Heating practices can also affect air inside homes. A study of traditional gers found that indoor air quality was affected by heating-related pollution (4).

Several factors combine to raise pollution levels during the cold months:

\nHousehold coal stoves: Ger districts are not connected to central heating, so homes burn coal briquettes at ground level, where smoke does not disperse well.
\nGeography: The city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, which traps emissions near the ground.
\nPower and heating plants: Coal-fired combined heat and power plants supply the city's electricity and district heating.
\nVehicles: A growing number of vehicles, many of them more than 10 years old, add nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

A 2019 ban on raw coal and a switch to coal briquettes reduced particle pollution, but levels still exceed World Health Organization guidelines (5).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
\nContribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
\n
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
\n
\nRun a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
\n

","ulaanbaatar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-10-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1003896340854","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/ulaanbaatar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-10-2026","2026-11-10T13:18:36Z",[145,214],"November 10, 2026: Ulaanbaatar among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_68":289,"_82":-5,"_84":290,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421792022902","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/UlaanBaatarDesktop.jpg?v=1794317946",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"The United Nations Climate Change Conference is approaching, with new themes and key topics for 2026. Learn how air quality plays a role in the climate discussion.","

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is approaching, with new themes and key topics for 2026. Learn how air quality plays a role in the climate discussion.

","As world leaders and activists meet in Antalya, Turkey, for COP31, one key environmental issue deserves the spotlight in the climate conversation: the air we breathe. Air pollution is one of the world's greatest environmental health threats, contributing to about 7 million premature deaths each year. It also shares many of the same sources as climate change, from fossil fuel combustion to waste and industrial emissions. Yet the two problems are still too often addressed separately. Taking place November 9–20, 2026, COP31 is the United Nations Climate Change Conference, with a mission to translate climate commitments into practical action (1). The COP31 agenda includes 10 priority themes, 6 global targets, and 11 initiatives ranging from environmental policies and methane reduction to renewable energy. COP31 is also the first UN Climate Change Conference to feature clean air and public health as explicit key topics in its discussions. As air quality and human health concerns take center stage in the climate discussion, COP31 offers an opportunity to turn that connection into concrete environmental action. Breathing polluted air Air pollution affects people in every region, although its sources and severity vary. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world's population breathes air that exceeds its recommended guideline limits (2). Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is a leading risk factor for premature death. These tiny airborne particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, and lung cancer. Because the particles are so small, they can pose a serious health risk even when the air looks clear. Across South and East Asia, seasonal pollution episodes driven by unfavorable weather conditions and coal burning can push concentrations to unhealthy levels, exposing millions of people to polluted air (3). Meanwhile, communities in North America and Europe increasingly face smoke risks from wildfires, which can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles from their source (4). In Sub-Saharan Africa, limited monitoring networks can make it difficult to measure the full scale of the problem. Rapid urban growth increases emissions from transport, industry, and household energy use (5). A 2022 study found that more than 90% of hazardous fine particulate matter measured around the Arabian Peninsula was attributable to human activities (6). These particles were distinct from the coarser ones commonly associated with desert dust. Climate change adds another layer to this challenge. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more intense or prolonged wildfire conditions can worsen air quality. Heat can also increase the formation of certain pollutants, while stagnant weather can trap emissions close to the ground. As climate change alters atmospheric conditions, air pollution can become more severe, while the activities that release pollutants continue to raise global temperatures. Why clean air belongs in climate policy Air pollution and climate change affect the world in different ways, but their shared pollutant sources intertwine the two environmental issues. Addressing those sources together can deliver benefits on both fronts: slowing climate change and improving the air people breathe. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant harmful to human health and crops. Black carbon, a component of soot produced by incomplete combustion, contributes to warming and can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system. Reducing these pollutants can slow climate warming while delivering faster health benefits and cleaner air to regional communities. Fixing methane leaks from oil and gas operations, improving waste management, and shifting to clean, renewable energy can help limit harmful pollution. Electrifying transport, buildings, and industry can reduce pollution from exhaust pipes, heating systems, and industrial equipment. But the health benefits depend on how that electricity is generated. Replacing fossil fuels with electricity from cleaner sources, including wind and solar, offers a stronger route to cutting both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To address pollutant emissions, COP31's proposed 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge aims to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035 (7). Through the, COP31 connects global leaders and businesses with action plans for a cleaner energy system. From climate commitments to practical action COP31 continues to build on previous projects from COP30, reinforcing long-term goals and policies for emissions reductions, such as the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator (8). At COP30, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition launched the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator, a three-year program designed to help participating countries reduce emissions of methane, black carbon, and other powerful climate pollutants. The program supports governments in coordinating national action and turning plans into practical projects. Alongside the program, methane satellite monitoring makes it possible to track climate pollutants and measure progress. Together, these efforts provide a foundation for COP31 to strengthen cooperation on the sources of both climate change and harmful air pollution. Turkey's COP31 Action Agenda places Zero Waste among its priority themes, with a focus on reducing methane emissions from waste. Improving waste collection, separating organic materials, and capturing landfill gas can reduce emissions while helping communities manage growing waste volumes. National climate plans also have a role to play. Countries can strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by including measures to reduce methane and black carbon, improve waste management, and accelerate clean energy (9). International cooperation is essential to making these measures work at scale. Global conferences and partnerships can help countries share technical knowledge, access resources, and develop policies suited to their circumstances. Making climate plans stick Reducing emissions is only part of the solution. Long-term environmental improvements rely on collective action, reformed government policies, and global initiatives to ensure climate plans are implemented effectively and deliver steady progress. From public health considerations to international air monitoring, these practices can include: Environmental policies: Commit to reduced methane reduction plans, set standards for clean energy use, and monitor waste-related methane emissions. Global mechanisms: Expand Global Methane Pledge participation, contribute to international air quality monitoring networks, and support climate initiatives such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Public protection: Deploy ultrafine air filtration to reduce environmental health risks, monitor local air quality for pollutant awareness, and provide safeguards for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Early-warning systems and climate monitors are equally important. Forecasts and timely alerts can help communities prepare for wildfire smoke, severe pollution episodes, and dust events. Healthcare facilities can use this information to prepare for increased demand, while schools and childcare centers can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and indoor air protection. COP31 brings these issues together at a moment when governments face growing pressure to show that climate commitments can improve people's lives. Its emphasis on implementation provides an opportunity to connect international pledges with the everyday experience of breathing clean air. Conclusion COP31 offers an opportunity to bring clean air closer to the center of global climate action. As world leaders gather in Antalya, the challenge will be turning ambitious commitments into practical policies. But the growing recognition of the link between air quality, climate change, and public health is an important step forward. Progress does not have to wait for long-term climate targets to be met. Reducing methane emissions and strengthening air quality monitoring can deliver meaningful health benefits today while supporting a more sustainable future. A healthier environment starts with practical steps taken together. If COP31 can help turn shared goals into lasting action, the benefits could reach far beyond Antalya — bringing cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more hopeful outlook for generations to come.","

As world leaders and activists meet in Antalya, Turkey, for COP31, one key environmental issue deserves the spotlight in the climate conversation: the air we breathe.

Air pollution is one of the world's greatest environmental health threats, contributing to about 7 million premature deaths each year. It also shares many of the same sources as climate change, from fossil fuel combustion to waste and industrial emissions. Yet the two problems are still too often addressed separately.

Taking place November 9–20, 2026, COP31 is the United Nations Climate Change Conference, with a mission to translate climate commitments into practical action (1). The COP31 agenda includes 10 priority themes, 6 global targets, and 11 initiatives ranging from environmental policies and methane reduction to renewable energy. COP31 is also the first UN Climate Change Conference to feature clean air and public health as explicit key topics in its discussions.

As air quality and human health concerns take center stage in the climate discussion, COP31 offers an opportunity to turn that connection into concrete environmental action.

Breathing polluted air

Air pollution affects people in every region, although its sources and severity vary. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world's population breathes air that exceeds its recommended guideline limits (2).

Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is a leading risk factor for premature death. These tiny airborne particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, and lung cancer. Because the particles are so small, they can pose a serious health risk even when the air looks clear.

Across South and East Asia, seasonal pollution episodes driven by unfavorable weather conditions and coal burning can push concentrations to unhealthy levels, exposing millions of people to polluted air (3). Meanwhile, communities in North America and Europe increasingly face smoke risks from wildfires, which can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles from their source (4).

In Sub-Saharan Africa, limited monitoring networks can make it difficult to measure the full scale of the problem. Rapid urban growth increases emissions from transport, industry, and household energy use (5).

A 2022 study found that more than 90% of hazardous fine particulate matter measured around the Arabian Peninsula was attributable to human activities (6). These particles were distinct from the coarser ones commonly associated with desert dust.

Climate change adds another layer to this challenge. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more intense or prolonged wildfire conditions can worsen air quality. Heat can also increase the formation of certain pollutants, while stagnant weather can trap emissions close to the ground.

As climate change alters atmospheric conditions, air pollution can become more severe, while the activities that release pollutants continue to raise global temperatures.

Why clean air belongs in climate policy

Air pollution and climate change affect the world in different ways, but their shared pollutant sources intertwine the two environmental issues. Addressing those sources together can deliver benefits on both fronts: slowing climate change and improving the air people breathe.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant harmful to human health and crops. Black carbon, a component of soot produced by incomplete combustion, contributes to warming and can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system.

Reducing these pollutants can slow climate warming while delivering faster health benefits and cleaner air to regional communities. Fixing methane leaks from oil and gas operations, improving waste management, and shifting to clean, renewable energy can help limit harmful pollution.

Electrifying transport, buildings, and industry can reduce pollution from exhaust pipes, heating systems, and industrial equipment. But the health benefits depend on how that electricity is generated. Replacing fossil fuels with electricity from cleaner sources, including wind and solar, offers a stronger route to cutting both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

To address pollutant emissions, COP31's proposed 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge aims to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035 (7). Through the, COP31 connects global leaders and businesses with action plans for a cleaner energy system.

From climate commitments to practical action

COP31 continues to build on previous projects from COP30, reinforcing long-term goals and policies for emissions reductions, such as the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator (8).

At COP30, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition launched the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator, a three-year program designed to help participating countries reduce emissions of methane, black carbon, and other powerful climate pollutants. The program supports governments in coordinating national action and turning plans into practical projects.

Alongside the program, methane satellite monitoring makes it possible to track climate pollutants and measure progress. Together, these efforts provide a foundation for COP31 to strengthen cooperation on the sources of both climate change and harmful air pollution.

Turkey's COP31 Action Agenda places Zero Waste among its priority themes, with a focus on reducing methane emissions from waste. Improving waste collection, separating organic materials, and capturing landfill gas can reduce emissions while helping communities manage growing waste volumes.

National climate plans also have a role to play. Countries can strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by including measures to reduce methane and black carbon, improve waste management, and accelerate clean energy (9).

International cooperation is essential to making these measures work at scale. Global conferences and partnerships can help countries share technical knowledge, access resources, and develop policies suited to their circumstances.

Making climate plans stick

Reducing emissions is only part of the solution. Long-term environmental improvements rely on collective action, reformed government policies, and global initiatives to ensure climate plans are implemented effectively and deliver steady progress. From public health considerations to international air monitoring, these practices can include:

\nEnvironmental policies: Commit to reduced methane reduction plans, set standards for clean energy use, and monitor waste-related methane emissions.
\nGlobal mechanisms: Expand Global Methane Pledge participation, contribute to international air quality monitoring networks, and support climate initiatives such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
\nPublic protection: Deploy ultrafine air filtration to reduce environmental health risks, monitor local air quality for pollutant awareness, and provide safeguards for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

Early-warning systems and climate monitors are equally important. Forecasts and timely alerts can help communities prepare for wildfire smoke, severe pollution episodes, and dust events. Healthcare facilities can use this information to prepare for increased demand, while schools and childcare centers can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and indoor air protection.

COP31 brings these issues together at a moment when governments face growing pressure to show that climate commitments can improve people's lives. Its emphasis on implementation provides an opportunity to connect international pledges with the everyday experience of breathing clean air.

Conclusion

COP31 offers an opportunity to bring clean air closer to the center of global climate action. As world leaders gather in Antalya, the challenge will be turning ambitious commitments into practical policies. But the growing recognition of the link between air quality, climate change, and public health is an important step forward.

Progress does not have to wait for long-term climate targets to be met. Reducing methane emissions and strengthening air quality monitoring can deliver meaningful health benefits today while supporting a more sustainable future.

A healthier environment starts with practical steps taken together. If COP31 can help turn shared goals into lasting action, the benefits could reach far beyond Antalya — bringing cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more hopeful outlook for generations to come.

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Learn important dangers in mining and what can be done to mitigate the health risks.

","The minerals used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy technologies are extracted from the earth, often in regions where Indigenous communities have lived for generations. As global demand for these resources increases, so does the pressure to expand mining operations. For communities living near these sites, excavation can permanently alter ancestral lands, while mining waste can contaminate water sources that families depend on. Workers may face hazardous conditions without adequate protection or the ability to speak out. Mining can provide employment and economic opportunities, including for Indigenous communities. Those benefits come with a responsibility to protect workers from preventable illness and ensure surrounding communities are not left dealing with environmental damage long after operations close. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, governments and industries must establish protections that apply to every mining operation, regardless of where it operates. The lasting impact of mining on Indigenous communities The consequences of poorly managed mining operations can persist for generations. On Navajo Nation lands in the United States, uranium mining supplied materials for nuclear weapons and energy throughout much of the 20th century. Mining ended in 1986, yet more than 500 abandoned uranium mines remain on or near Navajo lands. The legacy includes contaminated land and water, ongoing health concerns, and cleanup efforts that continue decades after the industry departed (1). For Indigenous communities, damage to ancestral lands can affect traditional food sources, cultural practices and livelihoods. When these resources are damaged or become unsafe to use, communities can lose access to important parts of their heritage and daily lives. A 2026 study examining 720 members of the Xikrin do Cateté Indigenous community in northern Brazil found that 98.5% had excessive concentrations of at least one toxic or potentially toxic element in their bodies (2). All 121 children evaluated in the study showed elevated levels of multiple elements. The community lives in a region affected by copper, gold, and nickel mining. Researchers identified concerning levels of elements including manganese and nickel, raising serious questions about environmental exposure and the need for public health intervention. The findings do not establish that mining caused every exposure or identify a single exposure pathway. They do demonstrate why communities living near mining operations need comprehensive environmental investigations and access to healthcare. What mining leaves behind Mining's environmental impacts begin with the physical extraction of minerals and can continue long after operations close. Open-pit mining can involve removing vegetation and excavating large quantities of earth to reach mineral deposits. Roads, processing facilities, and waste-storage areas expand the affected footprint. These activities can fragment wildlife habitats, contribute to erosion, and permanently alter landscapes. Mining and mineral processing can require substantial quantities of water, sometimes in regions where local supplies are already limited. When waste rock containing certain sulfide minerals is exposed to air and water, it can generate acidic drainage that carries dissolved metals into surrounding waterways. Poorly managed tailings, the material left after minerals are separated from ore, can also contaminate soil and water (3). For communities that depend on local rivers or groundwater, contamination can threaten drinking water and agriculture. Some pollutants can enter the food chain, creating additional exposure risks. Blasting, crushing, excavation, and transporting ore can release airborne dust containing hazardous substances, depending on the minerals being extracted and local geology. Diesel-powered equipment and mineral processing can produce additional emissions. Fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs. Other mining-related exposures, including respirable crystalline silica and certain toxic metals, require specific attention because of their potential health effects. Contaminated groundwater and abandoned mining facilities may require decades of monitoring and remediation. Without adequate cleanup requirements and financial guarantees, affected communities can be left managing these risks long after the economic benefits of mining have moved elsewhere. The workers behind the minerals Mining's health risks also affect the people doing the extraction. Workers can spend years exposed to hazardous dust, diesel exhaust, and toxic substances. Without adequate ventilation, exposure controls, and medical surveillance, preventable illnesses can go undetected until serious damage has occurred. Long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. Depending on the operation, workers may also encounter hazardous metals and other substances that require specialized exposure controls. Mining workers also face physical dangers, including tunnel collapses, machinery accidents, and extreme heat. Inadequate safety training and emergency procedures can make these conditions even more dangerous. Labor exploitation is another serious concern. Some mining operations and supply chains have been linked to child labor, forced labor, unsafe working hours, and inadequate wages. Workers in informal or poorly regulated operations may have limited access to employment protections or mechanisms for reporting unsafe conditions. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre's 2026 Transition Minerals Tracker documented 329 allegations of human rights abuses linked to mining operations producing minerals used in the energy transition during 2025 (4). The report identified a 73% year-over-year increase in allegations against previously tracked mines, while reported worker-rights violations doubled. These figures represent documented allegations rather than legally established violations in every case. They raise serious concerns about whether existing protections are keeping pace with demand for critical minerals. Workers must have the right to organize, join unions, and bargain collectively over workplace conditions. They must also be able to report hazards and refuse work that presents a serious danger without fear of retaliation (5). These protections are particularly important where mining provides one of the few available sources of employment. Economic dependence should never prevent workers from raising concerns about their health or safety. Mining companies must prevent hazardous exposures through effective engineering controls, provide appropriate training, and ensure workers receive the protections required to perform their jobs safely. The limits of existing protections The environmental and human consequences of mining are well documented, yet protections vary considerably between countries and mining operations. The International Labour Organization's Safety and Health in Mines Convention, adopted in 1995, establishes requirements addressing workplace hazards, occupational health, worker participation, and the right to withdraw from situations presenting serious danger (5). Other international standards address Indigenous rights, including consultation and free, prior, and informed consent (6). Responsible mining frameworks also provide guidance on environmental management and labor protections (7). International conventions depend on national ratification and implementation, while many industry certification programs remain voluntary. A mining operation may face rigorous environmental inspections and worker safety requirements in one country while operating under substantially weaker oversight in another. Companies purchasing these minerals also have a responsibility to investigate how their materials are sourced and address identified human rights and environmental risks. The 2026 Transition Minerals Tracker found that nearly half of mining operations linked to allegations of abuse lacked a publicly available human rights policy (4). The case for enforceable global mining standards Mining is a global industry. Fundamental protections for workers, Indigenous communities, and the environment should apply wherever extraction takes place. Governments should work toward a common set of enforceable minimum standards that builds on existing international agreements and responsible mining frameworks. Those standards should be: Worker health and safety protections, including occupational exposure limits, effective dust controls, independent inspections, access to healthcare, and the freedom to organize and collectively bargain. Respect for Indigenous rights, including protection of ancestral lands, meaningful participation in decisions, and free, prior, and informed consent consistent with international human rights standards. Environmental safeguards, including air and water quality monitoring, responsible waste management, pollution prevention, and restoration of affected land. Independent oversight and public transparency, ensuring workers and communities can access relevant environmental and occupational exposure information. Corporate supply chain accountability, requiring companies purchasing minerals to identify and address environmental and human rights risks associated with extraction. Enforceable remedies, including penalties for violations, compensation where warranted, and financial provisions for long-term environmental cleanup. Communities need reliable information about potential contamination, while workers need occupational exposure measurements that accurately reflect the conditions they encounter during their shifts. Monitoring must be accompanied by effective controls, regulatory enforcement, and corrective action when hazards are identified. A global framework would also need mechanisms to hold companies accountable when violations occur. Governments should strengthen access to legal remedies and international cooperation, particularly when serious abuses involve multinational supply chains or persist despite national enforcement. Developing such standards would require cooperation among governments, Indigenous representatives, labor organizations, industry, and human rights experts. Indigenous communities and workers must have a meaningful role in establishing the protections intended to safeguard them. A responsibility that extends beyond mining Governments have already established international principles for mine safety and Indigenous rights. The challenge is ensuring those protections are applied and enforced wherever mining takes place. That responsibility extends to the companies purchasing these minerals. They should be expected to understand where their materials come from, investigate documented abuses, and take corrective action when violations occur. Workers deserve safe conditions and the freedom to advocate for themselves. Indigenous communities deserve a say in what happens to their lands and access to remedies when environmental damage occurs. These should be fundamental requirements of an industry that supplies so much to the modern world.","

The minerals used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy technologies are extracted from the earth, often in regions where Indigenous communities have lived for generations. As global demand for these resources increases, so does the pressure to expand mining operations.

For communities living near these sites, excavation can permanently alter ancestral lands, while mining waste can contaminate water sources that families depend on. Workers may face hazardous conditions without adequate protection or the ability to speak out.

Mining can provide employment and economic opportunities, including for Indigenous communities. Those benefits come with a responsibility to protect workers from preventable illness and ensure surrounding communities are not left dealing with environmental damage long after operations close.

As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, governments and industries must establish protections that apply to every mining operation, regardless of where it operates.

The lasting impact of mining on Indigenous communities

The consequences of poorly managed mining operations can persist for generations.

On Navajo Nation lands in the United States, uranium mining supplied materials for nuclear weapons and energy throughout much of the 20th century. Mining ended in 1986, yet more than 500 abandoned uranium mines remain on or near Navajo lands. The legacy includes contaminated land and water, ongoing health concerns, and cleanup efforts that continue decades after the industry departed (1).

For Indigenous communities, damage to ancestral lands can affect traditional food sources, cultural practices and livelihoods. When these resources are damaged or become unsafe to use, communities can lose access to important parts of their heritage and daily lives.

A 2026 study examining 720 members of the Xikrin do Cateté Indigenous community in northern Brazil found that 98.5% had excessive concentrations of at least one toxic or potentially toxic element in their bodies (2). All 121 children evaluated in the study showed elevated levels of multiple elements.

The community lives in a region affected by copper, gold, and nickel mining. Researchers identified concerning levels of elements including manganese and nickel, raising serious questions about environmental exposure and the need for public health intervention.

The findings do not establish that mining caused every exposure or identify a single exposure pathway. They do demonstrate why communities living near mining operations need comprehensive environmental investigations and access to healthcare.

What mining leaves behind

Mining's environmental impacts begin with the physical extraction of minerals and can continue long after operations close.

Open-pit mining can involve removing vegetation and excavating large quantities of earth to reach mineral deposits. Roads, processing facilities, and waste-storage areas expand the affected footprint. These activities can fragment wildlife habitats, contribute to erosion, and permanently alter landscapes.

Mining and mineral processing can require substantial quantities of water, sometimes in regions where local supplies are already limited. When waste rock containing certain sulfide minerals is exposed to air and water, it can generate acidic drainage that carries dissolved metals into surrounding waterways. Poorly managed tailings, the material left after minerals are separated from ore, can also contaminate soil and water (3).

For communities that depend on local rivers or groundwater, contamination can threaten drinking water and agriculture. Some pollutants can enter the food chain, creating additional exposure risks.

Blasting, crushing, excavation, and transporting ore can release airborne dust containing hazardous substances, depending on the minerals being extracted and local geology. Diesel-powered equipment and mineral processing can produce additional emissions.

Fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs. Other mining-related exposures, including respirable crystalline silica and certain toxic metals, require specific attention because of their potential health effects.

Contaminated groundwater and abandoned mining facilities may require decades of monitoring and remediation. Without adequate cleanup requirements and financial guarantees, affected communities can be left managing these risks long after the economic benefits of mining have moved elsewhere.

The workers behind the minerals

Mining's health risks also affect the people doing the extraction.

Workers can spend years exposed to hazardous dust, diesel exhaust, and toxic substances. Without adequate ventilation, exposure controls, and medical surveillance, preventable illnesses can go undetected until serious damage has occurred.

Long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. Depending on the operation, workers may also encounter hazardous metals and other substances that require specialized exposure controls.

Mining workers also face physical dangers, including tunnel collapses, machinery accidents, and extreme heat. Inadequate safety training and emergency procedures can make these conditions even more dangerous.

Labor exploitation is another serious concern. Some mining operations and supply chains have been linked to child labor, forced labor, unsafe working hours, and inadequate wages. Workers in informal or poorly regulated operations may have limited access to employment protections or mechanisms for reporting unsafe conditions.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre's 2026 Transition Minerals Tracker documented 329 allegations of human rights abuses linked to mining operations producing minerals used in the energy transition during 2025 (4). The report identified a 73% year-over-year increase in allegations against previously tracked mines, while reported worker-rights violations doubled.

These figures represent documented allegations rather than legally established violations in every case. They raise serious concerns about whether existing protections are keeping pace with demand for critical minerals.

Workers must have the right to organize, join unions, and bargain collectively over workplace conditions. They must also be able to report hazards and refuse work that presents a serious danger without fear of retaliation (5).

These protections are particularly important where mining provides one of the few available sources of employment. Economic dependence should never prevent workers from raising concerns about their health or safety.

Mining companies must prevent hazardous exposures through effective engineering controls, provide appropriate training, and ensure workers receive the protections required to perform their jobs safely.

The limits of existing protections

The environmental and human consequences of mining are well documented, yet protections vary considerably between countries and mining operations.

The International Labour Organization's Safety and Health in Mines Convention, adopted in 1995, establishes requirements addressing workplace hazards, occupational health, worker participation, and the right to withdraw from situations presenting serious danger (5).

Other international standards address Indigenous rights, including consultation and free, prior, and informed consent (6). Responsible mining frameworks also provide guidance on environmental management and labor protections (7).

International conventions depend on national ratification and implementation, while many industry certification programs remain voluntary.

A mining operation may face rigorous environmental inspections and worker safety requirements in one country while operating under substantially weaker oversight in another.

Companies purchasing these minerals also have a responsibility to investigate how their materials are sourced and address identified human rights and environmental risks.

The 2026 Transition Minerals Tracker found that nearly half of mining operations linked to allegations of abuse lacked a publicly available human rights policy (4).

The case for enforceable global mining standards

Mining is a global industry. Fundamental protections for workers, Indigenous communities, and the environment should apply wherever extraction takes place. Governments should work toward a common set of enforceable minimum standards that builds on existing international agreements and responsible mining frameworks.

Those standards should be:

\nWorker health and safety protections, including occupational exposure limits, effective dust controls, independent inspections, access to healthcare, and the freedom to organize and collectively bargain.
\nRespect for Indigenous rights, including protection of ancestral lands, meaningful participation in decisions, and free, prior, and informed consent consistent with international human rights standards.
\nEnvironmental safeguards, including air and water quality monitoring, responsible waste management, pollution prevention, and restoration of affected land.
\nIndependent oversight and public transparency, ensuring workers and communities can access relevant environmental and occupational exposure information.
\nCorporate supply chain accountability, requiring companies purchasing minerals to identify and address environmental and human rights risks associated with extraction.
\nEnforceable remedies, including penalties for violations, compensation where warranted, and financial provisions for long-term environmental cleanup.

Communities need reliable information about potential contamination, while workers need occupational exposure measurements that accurately reflect the conditions they encounter during their shifts.

Monitoring must be accompanied by effective controls, regulatory enforcement, and corrective action when hazards are identified.

A global framework would also need mechanisms to hold companies accountable when violations occur. Governments should strengthen access to legal remedies and international cooperation, particularly when serious abuses involve multinational supply chains or persist despite national enforcement.

Developing such standards would require cooperation among governments, Indigenous representatives, labor organizations, industry, and human rights experts. Indigenous communities and workers must have a meaningful role in establishing the protections intended to safeguard them.

A responsibility that extends beyond mining

Governments have already established international principles for mine safety and Indigenous rights. The challenge is ensuring those protections are applied and enforced wherever mining takes place.

That responsibility extends to the companies purchasing these minerals. They should be expected to understand where their materials come from, investigate documented abuses, and take corrective action when violations occur.

Workers deserve safe conditions and the freedom to advocate for themselves. Indigenous communities deserve a say in what happens to their lands and access to remedies when environmental damage occurs.

These should be fundamental requirements of an industry that supplies so much to the modern world.

","the-toxic-legacy-of-mining-on-indigenous-communities","gid://shopify/Article/1003784307062","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/the-toxic-legacy-of-mining-on-indigenous-communities","2026-11-04T07:00:09Z",[214,146,370],"The toxic legacy of mining on Indigenous communities",{"_68":367,"_82":368,"_84":369,"_86":127,"_88":128},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421567267190","Open-pit mining operation with industrial facilities","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Article_ThoughtLeadership_Mining_Indigenous_Communities_Desk.jpg?v=1793729411","Thought Leadership","Glory Dolphin Hammes",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"China’s air quality deteriorates every autumn and winter as coal-fired heating, temperature inversions, and industrial emissions push PM2.5 into unhealthy ranges. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.","

China’s air quality deteriorates every autumn and winter as coal-fired heating, temperature inversions, and industrial emissions push PM2.5 into unhealthy ranges. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in China? As of November 4, 2026, air quality is poor in parts of China, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 4:00 PM (Chinese Standard Time, GMT+8), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, China’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 29.6 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 87, classified as \"moderate\". This level is nearly 5.92 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing China among the world’s 20 most polluted countries in 2025. Air quality map of China and neighboring countries as of 4:00 PM (CST) on November 4, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in China? On November 4, 2026, several major cities across China are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Baoding Beijing Harbin Jinzhou Kashgar Langfang Siping Taiyuan Tianjin Xinzhou Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see China's air quality map. Beijing ranked among the most polluted major cities globally as of 4:00 PM (CST) on November 4, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in China? China’s PM2.5 concentrations follow a well-documented U-shaped seasonal pattern, peaking in winter from December through February and reaching their lowest point in summer. This seasonal deterioration typically begins in October, as autumn cooling and increasing stagnation begin to raise air pollution across China ahead of the official coal-fired heating season starting November (1). Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing. Lasting progress depends on continued enforcement of China’s clean energy transition and emission controls (2). What is causing poor air quality in China? The root causes of air pollution in China include dependence on fossil fuels, coal combustion, biomass burning, traffic and waste incineration emissions, industrial pollution, and soil dust, with coal and other fossil fuels exploited despite renewable investments (3). As temperatures drop, residential coal combustion becomes the dominant driver of PM2.5 across China, contributing approximately 46% of concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Temperature inversions and air stagnation further trap emissions from coal-fired power plants, industrial zones, and vehicle exhaust near the surface, amplifying pollution across major cities (4). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in China?

As of November 4, 2026, air quality is poor in parts of China, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 4:00 PM (Chinese Standard Time, GMT+8), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, China’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 29.6 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 87, classified as \"moderate\". This level is nearly 5.92 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing China among the world’s 20 most polluted countries in 2025.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of China and neighboring countries as of 4:00 PM (CST) on November 4, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in China?

On November 4, 2026, several major cities across China are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see China's air quality map.

$\"Beijing$ Beijing ranked among the most polluted major cities globally as of 4:00 PM (CST) on November 4, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in China?

China’s PM2.5 concentrations follow a well-documented U-shaped seasonal pattern, peaking in winter from December through February and reaching their lowest point in summer. This seasonal deterioration typically begins in October, as autumn cooling and increasing stagnation begin to raise air pollution across China ahead of the official coal-fired heating season starting November (1).

Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing. Lasting progress depends on continued enforcement of China’s clean energy transition and emission controls (2).

What is causing poor air quality in China?

The root causes of air pollution in China include dependence on fossil fuels, coal combustion, biomass burning, traffic and waste incineration emissions, industrial pollution, and soil dust, with coal and other fossil fuels exploited despite renewable investments (3).

As temperatures drop, residential coal combustion becomes the dominant driver of PM2.5 across China, contributing approximately 46% of concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Temperature inversions and air stagnation further trap emissions from coal-fired power plants, industrial zones, and vehicle exhaust near the surface, amplifying pollution across major cities (4).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","china-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/999656948086","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/china-air-quality-alert","2026-11-04T08:08:16Z",[145,214],"China Air Quality Alert",{"_68":385,"_82":386,"_84":387,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415039652214","Aerial view of multiple houses covered in haze.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/BeijingDesktop_d39ae4b6-7a1a-4abe-8415-9345b4efd9b8.jpg?v=1793340415",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Birmingham, United Kingdom, has unhealthy air quality and ranks among the most polluted major cities in the world. Find out more about Birmingham's poor air quality.","

Birmingham, United Kingdom, has unhealthy air quality and ranks among the most polluted major cities in the world. Find out more about Birmingham's poor air quality.

","Is the air quality good in Birmingham? On November 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time), air quality in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is poor with an AQI of 156, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range. These conditions can cause health effects for everyone, with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions facing the greatest risk. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Birmingham ranked as the 7th most polluted major city in the world on Saturday morning, with London (13th place) also experiencing poor air quality. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Birmingham. While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Birmingham was 8 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 33, which falls into the \"good\" category and was 1.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Birmingham, United Kingdom ranked as the 7th most polluted major city on November 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Birmingham? Air quality in Birmingham is forecast to improve to the moderate range by tomorrow. Hourly air quality forecast for Birmingham, United Kingdom on November 7, 2026. Source: IQAir. However, pollution may build up again during the colder months. Cool, dry, and calm weather in late autumn and winter tends to hold pollution close to the ground, while rain and stronger winds help clear it (1). Air quality map of Birmingham, United Kingdom on November 7, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Birmingham? Poor air quality in Birmingham comes from a mix of local emissions, seasonal weather, and pollution carried in from other areas. Key contributors include: Cold, calm weather, which allows temperature inversions to form. During an inversion, a layer of warmer air acts like a lid and traps pollution near the ground (2). Home heating, as colder temperatures increase fuel burning. Wood and other biomass burning makes up about a quarter of PM2.5 in the West Midlands (3). Bonfires and fireworks around Bonfire Night in early November, which add smoke to the air. Road traffic, which releases nitrogen dioxide and fine particles from exhaust, along with particles from brake wear, tire wear, and road dust (4). Regional pollution, since PM2.5 can travel long distances from other parts of the UK and continental Europe (5). A London study illustrates why multiple sources matter. It found that traffic restrictions alone were insufficient to address fine-particle pollution, highlighting the need to reduce domestic, commercial, industrial, and regional emissions as well. How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Birmingham?

On November 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time), air quality in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is poor with an AQI of 156, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range.

These conditions can cause health effects for everyone, with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions facing the greatest risk.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Birmingham ranked as the 7th most polluted major city in the world on Saturday morning, with London (13th place) also experiencing poor air quality.

Click here for a real-time air quality map of Birmingham.

While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Birmingham was 8 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 33, which falls into the \"good\" category and was 1.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Birmingham, United Kingdom ranked as the 7th most polluted major city on November 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Birmingham?

Air quality in Birmingham is forecast to improve to the moderate range by tomorrow.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Birmingham, United Kingdom on November 7, 2026. Source: IQAir.

However, pollution may build up again during the colder months. Cool, dry, and calm weather in late autumn and winter tends to hold pollution close to the ground, while rain and stronger winds help clear it (1).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Birmingham, United Kingdom on November 7, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Birmingham?

Poor air quality in Birmingham comes from a mix of local emissions, seasonal weather, and pollution carried in from other areas. Key contributors include:

Cold, calm weather, which allows temperature inversions to form. During an inversion, a layer of warmer air acts like a lid and traps pollution near the ground (2).
Home heating, as colder temperatures increase fuel burning. Wood and other biomass burning makes up about a quarter of PM2.5 in the West Midlands (3).
Bonfires and fireworks around Bonfire Night in early November, which add smoke to the air.
Road traffic, which releases nitrogen dioxide and fine particles from exhaust, along with particles from brake wear, tire wear, and road dust (4).
Regional pollution, since PM2.5 can travel long distances from other parts of the UK and continental Europe (5).

A London study illustrates why multiple sources matter. It found that traffic restrictions alone were insufficient to address fine-particle pollution, highlighting the need to reduce domestic, commercial, industrial, and regional emissions as well.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","birmingham-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-7-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1003852464502","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/birmingham-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-7-2026","2026-11-07T10:40:49Z",[145,214],"November 7, 2026: Birmingham among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_68":401,"_82":402,"_84":403,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421710692726","Evening glow of Birmingham's historic canals.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/BirminghamDesktop.jpg?v=1794048661",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"London records AQI above 170 as fog, calm winds, and weekend fireworks smoke trap fine particles over the city. Learn more about the causes and when air quality may improve.","

London records AQI above 170 as fog, calm winds, and weekend fireworks smoke trap fine particles over the city. Learn more about the causes and when air quality may improve.

","Is the air quality good in London? As of November 8, 2026, at 6:30 AM GMT, air quality in London, United Kingdom, is unhealthy, with an AQI above 170. PM2.5 is the dominant pollutant, reaching 16.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, while PM10 levels are also elevated. These conditions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear a mask when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. London’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 9.9 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 42, classified as \"good\", approximately twice the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Today’s readings are significantly higher, indicating a sharp pollution spike. For real-time conditions, see London’s air quality map. London, UK, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of London, UK, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in London? The hourly forecast shows AQI declining steadily through the morning and afternoon as the fog lifts and winds strengthen slightly, easing into the moderate range by early evening. The daily forecast indicates mostly moderate air quality over the coming days, with cleaner air later in the week as stronger winds and rainfall help disperse pollutants. Short-term relief depends on these weather changes. Hourly air quality forecast for London, UK, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in London? London’s poor air quality on November 8 is likely driven by cold, stagnant, foggy conditions and high humidity, which trap fine particles and limit pollutant dispersion (1)(2). Smoke from Bonfire Night fireworks and bonfires on November 7–8 added to particulate pollution, potentially contributing to these short-term pollution spikes (3)(4). Road traffic and domestic wood burning further contribute to the city’s background pollution. How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in London?

As of November 8, 2026, at 6:30 AM GMT, air quality in London, United Kingdom, is unhealthy, with an AQI above 170. PM2.5 is the dominant pollutant, reaching 16.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, while PM10 levels are also elevated.

London’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 9.9 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 42, classified as \"good\", approximately twice the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Today’s readings are significantly higher, indicating a sharp pollution spike.

For real-time conditions, see London’s air quality map.

$\"London$ London, UK, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of London, UK, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in London?

The hourly forecast shows AQI declining steadily through the morning and afternoon as the fog lifts and winds strengthen slightly, easing into the moderate range by early evening. The daily forecast indicates mostly moderate air quality over the coming days, with cleaner air later in the week as stronger winds and rainfall help disperse pollutants. Short-term relief depends on these weather changes.

$\"Hourly$ Hourly air quality forecast for London, UK, as of 6:30 AM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in London?

London’s poor air quality on November 8 is likely driven by cold, stagnant, foggy conditions and high humidity, which trap fine particles and limit pollutant dispersion (1)(2).

Smoke from Bonfire Night fireworks and bonfires on November 7–8 added to particulate pollution, potentially contributing to these short-term pollution spikes (3)(4).

Road traffic and domestic wood burning further contribute to the city’s background pollution.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","london-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-8-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1003863998838","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/london-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-11-8-2026","2026-11-08T07:44:16Z",[145,214],"November 8, 2026: London among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_68":417,"_82":418,"_84":419,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421737922934","A panoramic view of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben in London, England, illuminated at sunset, with a colorful orange and pink sky reflected over the River Thames.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/LondonDesktop.jpg?v=1794122734",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Serbia’s air quality deteriorates every winter as household heating and coal-fired energy push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected cities and when conditions may improve.","

Serbia’s air quality deteriorates every winter as household heating and coal-fired energy push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected cities and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in Serbia? As of November 8, 2026, air quality in some parts of Serbia is poor, with several cities experiencing unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 6:00 PM (local time), some urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, Serbia’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 19.8 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 71, classified as “moderate.” This level is 4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing Serbia 38th globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report. Air quality map of Serbia and neighboring countries as of 6:00 PM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Serbia? As of November 8, 2026, several cities across Serbia are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Cacak Kragujevac Nis Subotica Zemun Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Serbia’s air quality map. When will the air quality improve in Serbia? Serbia’s air pollution follows a clear seasonal pattern, with concentrations highest during the heating season from October through April and lower in the warmer months (1). Conditions are likely to remain poor through winter, with relief typically arriving as the heating season ends in April. Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing, while lasting progress requires cleaner household heating. What is causing poor air quality in Serbia? The root causes of air pollution in Serbia include residential heating with wood and coal, coal-fired power generation, industrial activity, and traffic emissions. The energy sector, particularly coal-fired power plants, contributes the largest share of annual emissions nationwide (2). During winter, household heating becomes a major source of emissions as residents burn wood and other solid fuels in individual heating devices. Shallow nighttime boundary layers further trap these emissions close to the ground, worsening pollution (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Serbia?

As of November 8, 2026, air quality in some parts of Serbia is poor, with several cities experiencing unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 6:00 PM (local time), some urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, Serbia’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 19.8 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 71, classified as “moderate.” This level is 4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing Serbia 38th globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of Serbia and neighboring countries as of 6:00 PM (local time) on November 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Serbia?

As of November 8, 2026, several cities across Serbia are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Cacak
Kragujevac
Nis
Subotica
Zemun

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Serbia’s air quality map.

When will the air quality improve in Serbia?

Serbia’s air pollution follows a clear seasonal pattern, with concentrations highest during the heating season from October through April and lower in the warmer months (1). Conditions are likely to remain poor through winter, with relief typically arriving as the heating season ends in April.

Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing, while lasting progress requires cleaner household heating.

What is causing poor air quality in Serbia?

The root causes of air pollution in Serbia include residential heating with wood and coal, coal-fired power generation, industrial activity, and traffic emissions. The energy sector, particularly coal-fired power plants, contributes the largest share of annual emissions nationwide (2).

During winter, household heating becomes a major source of emissions as residents burn wood and other solid fuels in individual heating devices. Shallow nighttime boundary layers further trap these emissions close to the ground, worsening pollution (3).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","serbia-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/1003835556214","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/serbia-air-quality-alert","2026-11-08T17:31:21Z",[145,214],"Serbia Air Quality Alert",{"_68":433,"_82":434,"_84":435,"_86":87,"_88":89},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/421648662902","A panoramic view of a European riverside city at dusk, featuring illuminated historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a river in the foreground with boats passing by.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/BelgradeDesktop_1d9016ad-5fb8-4ab2-b40b-6744c477d69a.jpg?v=1793978984",{"_94":95},{"_66":93},"Sarajevo records AQI above 160 as calm, cold air traps smoke from home heating and traffic in its valley. Learn more about the causes and when air quality may improve.","

Sarajevo records AQI above 160 as calm, cold air traps smoke from home heating and traffic in its valley. Learn more about the causes and when air quality may improve.

","Is the air quality good in Sarajevo? As of November 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM CET (GMT+1), air quality in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is poor, with AQI above 160, classified as “unhealthy,” with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, currently 14.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. PM10 levels are also elevated. These conditions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear a mask when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. Sarajevo’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 28.4 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 85, classified as “moderate” and 5.68 times the WHO annual guideline. Today’s readings are significantly above that annual average. For real-time conditions, see Sarajevo’s air quality map. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Sarajevo? The hourly forecast shows AQI declining through the morning and afternoon as temperatures rise and winds strengthen slightly, easing into the moderate range by mid-afternoon. The daily forecast indicates mostly moderate air quality over the coming days. However, pollution builds during evening and night hours and is highest in the heating season, so episodes are likely to recur through winter, particularly during calm, cold conditions (1). Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo? Sarajevo’s air pollution spike today is likely linked to increased emissions from residential heating, as around 40,000 households rely on solid fuels, particularly wood and coal. Burning these fuels releases fine particulate matter, especially during the evening and night (2). Sarajevo’s valley setting, surrounded by mountains, makes pollutant dispersion difficult. Temperature inversions trap cold air and pollutants close to the ground (3), while near-calm winds and humidity above 90% further limit dispersion, allowing smoke and particulate matter to accumulate. How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Sarajevo?

As of November 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM CET (GMT+1), air quality in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is poor, with AQI above 160, classified as “unhealthy,” with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, currently 14.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. PM10 levels are also elevated.

Sarajevo’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 28.4 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 85, classified as “moderate” and 5.68 times the WHO annual guideline. Today’s readings are significantly above that annual average.

For real-time conditions, see Sarajevo’s air quality map.

$\"Most$ Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Sarajevo?

The hourly forecast shows AQI declining through the morning and afternoon as temperatures rise and winds strengthen slightly, easing into the moderate range by mid-afternoon. The daily forecast indicates mostly moderate air quality over the coming days.

However, pollution builds during evening and night hours and is highest in the heating season, so episodes are likely to recur through winter, particularly during calm, cold conditions (1).

$\"Hourly$ Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo?

Sarajevo’s air pollution spike today is likely linked to increased emissions from residential heating, as around 40,000 households rely on solid fuels, particularly wood and coal. Burning these fuels releases fine particulate matter, especially during the evening and night (2).

Sarajevo’s valley setting, surrounded by mountains, makes pollutant dispersion difficult. Temperature inversions trap cold air and pollutants close to the ground (3), while near-calm winds and humidity above 90% further limit dispersion, allowing smoke and particulate matter to accumulate.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

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