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How has air quality in Germany changed in the last 40 years?

Post-World War II in 1945 saw Germany divided into four zones by the Americans, the British, the French, and the Soviets. The western two-thirds of Germany, known as the Federal Republic of Germany (unofficially: FRG), consisted of the American,…
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Air pollution – How to convert between mg/m3, µg/m3 and ppm, ppb

When it comes to determining the concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere, the units of measurement one would typically see are either mg/m3, µg/m3, ppm, or ppb. These are used in air quality thresholds and air quality indexes to help…
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How much does air pollution cost society?

Air pollution is Earth’s greatest environmental health threat, killing approximately 7 million worldwide every year. According to the WHO, 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds their guidelines, with developing countries experiencing…
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Air pollution history: The Great Smog of London

The Great London Smog of 1952 (also just called the Great Smog) was an environmental disaster of unprecedented severity as a result of critical air pollution. Its impact ultimately served as a turning point in enacting the first air quality…
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3 truths every business owner needs to know about indoor air quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality (IAQ) not only affects employee health, but also productivity. This, in turn, can affect the success of your business! Here’s all you need to know about the impact of indoor air quality on your employees and how to manage…
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Where does smog get its colour from?

We all know that the reddish-brown haze that hangs over our cities signals poor air pollution from smog. But where and why does this phenomenon occur? Read on to find out. What is smog? Smog is a type of air pollution that reduces visibility.…
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Air pollution and noncommunicable diseases

Air pollution has long been linked to various health issues. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at a specific category of illnesses poor air quality is responsible for: noncommunicable diseases. What are noncommunicable diseases? Noncommunicable…
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What are urban heat islands?

An urban heat island is a phenomenon that occurs in metropolitan areas that can negatively affect air and water quality for city dwellers. But what is it, exactly? And how can it be dealt with? Read on to find out. What is an urban heat island? An…
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What is good air quality?

Clean air is vital for our health, the environment, and even the economy. But what exactly constitutes good air quality? Read on to find out. What is air quality? The air we breathe is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and other gases…
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How much did EU cities and states pay in air pollution fines in recent years?

The recent decision of the European Court of Justice to condemn Germany for excessive levels of air pollution has put the spotlight back on the European Union's legal action on environmental justice.  But exactly what dimensions are we talking…
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Is air quality improving? A perspective on Germany, the EU, the United States and the rest of the world

The impact of poor air quality is well-documented and widely researched. While it is an ongoing issue that is currently being addressed through various legislations and guidelines all over the world, are our efforts actually clearing the air…
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How to measure air quality

The importance of monitoring air quality is evident in the impact pollutants have on human health, the environment, and the economy. By assessing the extent of air pollution through timely, accurate data, policies and standards can be enacted,…