Air pollution hangs heavy over many parts of the world, silently claiming millions of lives each year. Researchers and policymakers are locked in a crucial battle against this invisible enemy, and WHO AirQ+ software serves as a powerful weapon in their arsenal. Available for macOS, MS Windows, and Linux in English, French, German, Russian and Spanish.

This free, user-friendly software, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), quantifies the health impacts of air pollution. It’s not just about measuring harmful particles or gases; it translates those numbers into real-world consequences, shedding light on the human cost of poor air quality.

How AirQ+ Works:

• Estimates Health Effects: Enter air pollution data for a specific location, and AirQ+ calculates the burden of diseases attributed to various pollutants like particulate matter (PM), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. This includes premature deaths, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.
• Short-Term & Long-Term Impact: Analyze both immediate effects from spikes in pollution and the accumulated burden from chronic exposure.
• Future Scenarios: Model the potential health benefits of interventions like reducing emissions or switching to cleaner fuels. Imagine thousands of lives saved, just by seeing the numbers.

The Power of Seeing:

For researchers, AirQ+ unveils crucial data to understand health risks associated with different levels of air pollution. This informs epidemiological studies, helps identify vulnerable populations, and strengthens the case for air quality interventions.

Policymakers gain a powerful tool to assess the impact of proposed regulations and air quality improvement programs. AirQ+ helps them prioritize actions, demonstrate the return on investment in clean air initiatives, and advocate for stricter air quality standards.

The Life-Saving Potential:

AirQ+ doesn’t just present numbers; it translates them into lives saved. Imagine a scenario where a city implements stricter emission controls, and AirQ+ projects a reduction in premature deaths by 500 individuals annually. That’s not just a statistic; it’s 500 families breathing easier, living longer, and contributing to their communities.

Beyond Numbers:

The software empowers communities to understand the local impact of air pollution and demand action. Citizens can advocate for cleaner air knowing the tangible benefits it brings. This engagement fuels the movement for cleaner air, creating a wave of change from the ground up.

Moving Forward:

WHO AirQ+ is a vital tool in the fight for clean air and healthier lives. As more cities and countries utilize it, we can expect to see a shift in global air quality awareness and action. With every life saved, every breath taken freely, AirQ+ proves that clean air is not just a right, but an investment in a healthier future for all.

Let’s use this powerful tool to turn the tide on air pollution and breathe life into a healthier world, one community at a time.

More info at https://www.who.int/tools/airq for the Spanish version use this link https://www.who.int/es/tools/airq