United Nations – 2019

In 2019, the United Nations addressed clean air global issue: “Clean air is important for the health and day-to-day lives of people … [and] air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally.” The UN resolution also stresses the importance of across-borders cooperation, since air pollution does not recognize political boundaries, and it emphasizes that green solutions like electric and hybrid cars are becoming more affordable. World leaders have enthusiastically recognized the day and its meaning. According to the Geneva Environment Network, poor air quality has implications for a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, water, food, housing and an adequate standard of living. Air pollution also clearly violates the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. However, further air pollution is also a challenge that can be managed, fulfilling the right to breathe clean air for people around the world. Science shows there are numerous health and psychological benefits to breathing clean, fresh air. It helps clear our lungs, gives us more energy and mental focus, lowers our blood pressure and heart rate, helps us heal faster and can even improve our digestions. The UN recognition of the difference in air quality and the intention to do more to purify the air we breathe is important both symbolically and in a practical sense.

Together, on the International Day of Clean Air and beyond, we can all take part in that action. Why is clean air important? By breathing cleaner air, the World Health Organization states that people can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma. How does air pollution affect crops? Ozone (O₃) is by far the most prevalent danger to commercial crop growth. Plants with sensitivities to ozone will lose their evolutionary competitive advantage.

Beans are especially susceptible, with world soybean crops facing up to a 15% reduction in yield. How do I know what my local levels of air pollution are? Check your newspaper or go online to find your region’s Air Quality Index each day, usually color-coded with orange and red indicating the most dangerous levels. For example, put in zip code 98028 on the AirNow tool, and see how we are doing in Kenmore today.

What about indoor air quality? One solution could be a heat pump. Heat pumps are highly energy- efficient and reliable, they can help people who deal with allergies and common irritants like dust, and they can also prevent the spread of disease. Speaking of air quality and energy efficiency, The City of Kenmore is co-sponsoring a Go Electric! series that helps you save money, improve comfort, and reduce emissions. On September 19, check out ACs That Bring the Heat and learn how heat pumps can make life more comfortable and healthier.

How Much Do You Know?

• Why is clean air important? By breathing cleaner air, the World Health Organization states that people can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• How does air pollution affect crops? Ozone (O₃) is by far the most prevalent danger to commercial crop growth. Plants with sensitivities to ozone will lose their evolutionary competitive advantage. Beans are especially susceptible, with world soybean crops facing up to a 15% reduction in yield.
• How do I know what my local levels of air pollution are? Check your newspaper or go online to find your region’s Air Quality Index each day, usually color-coded with orange and red indicating the most dangerous levels. For example, put in zip code 98028 on the AirNow tool, and see how we are doing in Kenmore today.
• What about indoor air quality? One solution could be a heat pump. Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient and reliable, they can help people who deal with allergies and common irritants like dust, and they can also prevent the spread of disease.

Learn More …. City of Kenmore Series

Speaking of air quality and energy efficiency, The City of Kenmore is co-sponsoring a Go Electric! series that helps you save money, improve comfort, and reduce emissions. On September 19, check out ACs That Bring the Heat and learn how heat pumps can make life more comfortable and healthier.