Category: air pollution

Dust Devils of Doom: Sand Storm & Haboob and Their Invisible Assault on Human Health

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Recently, I met Dr. Karin Ardon-Dryer and she is my new favorite scientist/superstar because of her research and her charismatic way to share important information to the public. She was able to captivate everyone in the room with her presentation Effect of Dust Particles on Human Health at Miami University.

Sand storms, often romanticized in movies and documentaries, pose a far more significant threat than just a dramatic backdrop. These swirling giants of dust wreak havoc on air quality, carrying not just coarse sand but also microscopic fine particles with serious implications for human health. While sand storms are often associated with arid regions far from home, their reach extends farther than you might think, impacting even areas within the United States. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and even eastern California are some of the states that experience poor air quality from such meteorological phenomena.

Haboob vs Sandstorm vs Dust Storms 

  • Haboob (Arabic for blasting/drifting) is a strong wind carrying a mass of dust and sand that has been lifted from the ground in very dry areas such as deserts.
  • Sandstorm is a windstorm especially in a desert, that blows along great clouds of sand.
  • Dust storms carry much smaller particles, which can be carried higher and further than sandstorms. 
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5 European Cities Air Quality

Air Quality Report from 5 Major European Cities

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

European cities are showing significant progress in combating air pollution, according to data collected from active official traffic air quality stations. There are positive trends which translate to cleaner air for residents, with reductions in harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2. This article explores the known strategies that these cities have implemented to achieve such remarkable improvements, offering valuable insights for other urban centers striving for a healthier future.

These are the 5 cities and traffic air quality stations that I have analyzed data from.

  • Berlin DEBE068 (B Mitte, Brückenstraße)
  • Madrid ES0118A (Escuela Aguirre)
  • Rome IT1906A (Arenula)
  • Paris FR04012 (Place Victor Basch)
  • Athens GR0003A (Aristotelous)
European Air Quality Network – Active and Inactive Air Quality Stations
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The European Union Agreed on New Rules & PM2.5/NO2 Limits for Cleaner Air

Sotirios Papathanasiou5 Comments

On February 20, 2024, the Council of the EU released a press release that discusses the agreement reached by the Council and Parliament to strengthen air quality standards in the EU. The new standards are expected to improve air quality and reduce premature deaths. They will be reviewed regularly and could be further strengthened in the future.

EU lawmakers have joined forces to strengthen air quality standards by 2030. These new, stricter limits and targets align more closely with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and will be subject to regular review. The updated directive tackles a range of air pollutants, including fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and even toxic metals like arsenic and lead. Each pollutant has its own specific standard, with the most significant reductions targeting those posing the greatest health risks. For example, annual limits for PM2.5 and NO2 will be more than halved, dropping from 25 µg/m³ to 10 µg/m³ and 40 µg/m³ to 20 µg/m³, respectively.

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US EPA Finalizes New Standards for Harmful Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

In a landmark decision, on February 7th, 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled stricter regulations for fine particulate matter, a major air pollutant linked to numerous health problems. This marks the first update to the EPA’s standards in over a decade, and officials anticipate it will save thousands of American lives annually. Fine particulate matter, often referred to as “soot,” penetrates deep into lungs and even enters the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

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Ventilation Is Not Always An Option & Ventilation Needs to Be Done Correctly

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Part 1: Ventilation Is Not Always An Option

Ventilation isn’t always an option in all areas and indoor spaces. Here are some key reasons why:

Environmental challenges:

  • Extreme weather: In very hot or cold climates, opening windows can be impractical or counterproductive. In scorching temperatures, opening windows might invite more heat in, while in freezing temperatures, it can cause heat loss and discomfort.
  • Air pollution: In areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution (e.g., traffic fumes, industrial emissions, wildfires), opening windows can actually worsen indoor air quality by bringing in the polluted air.

Space limitations:

  • Windowless rooms: Basements, interior rooms, and some commercial spaces like server rooms often lack windows, making natural ventilation impossible.
  • Small or airtight spaces: Tiny apartments, trailers, and even some modern, energy-efficient houses can be so tightly sealed that natural ventilation is insufficient.
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Ventilation Challenges and Pathogen Spread in High-Polluted Environments

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of human health and well-being. However, achieving adequate ventilation in homes and other indoor spaces can be challenging, particularly when outdoor air pollution levels are elevated due to smoke from wood-burning stoves. This article explores why poor ventilation in polluted environments poses a heightened risk of pathogen spread.

Factors Hindering Ventilation in Polluted Environments

Wood-burning stoves, used for heating and cooking, release particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) into the atmosphere. These pollutants can accumulate in extended areas, especially under certain weather conditions. Normally, warm air rising from the ground carries pollution upwards, dispersing it into the atmosphere. However, during the winter, a warm layer of air can settle over a city like a lid, trapping cold air and pollutants near the ground. This phenomenon, known as a thermal inversion, occurs when a warm air mass above restricts the upward movement of cold, denser air, trapping it along with pollutants close to the surface. Thermal inversions are particularly prevalent in cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, Granada, and Mexico City, where cold, dense air gets confined within mountain basins or valleys.

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Air Pollution Chronicle (Granada, Spain Edition)

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They say that good air quality is a fundamental right for all, and at the same time, they say that 99% of the population worldwide is exposed to air pollution above WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Mixed messages here. Even though I have already shared the story on a Tweet thread, I decided to write an article as well because of the permanence of the article and because it is easier to share.

December 17th, 2023

I arrived in Granada, Spain for the holidays. A blanket of smoke was covering Granada and the small towns around with a total area of over 100 km2. Although I was super tired, the intense smell of smoke inside the apartment and the fact that I knew that there was a lot of particulate pollution indoors didn’t permit me to sleep well.

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Cozy Fireplaces, Clouded Lungs: Why Wood Burning Stoves are a Holiday Health Hazard

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The holidays conjure up images of crackling fires, warm hearths, and cozy evenings. But for many, especially those living in communities with widespread wood burning, this idyllic picture masks a grim reality: a significant decline in indoor and outdoor air quality. Wood burning stoves, while charming and nostalgic, are a major contributor to indoor and outdoor air pollution, posing serious health risks to both the occupants of the house and the surrounding community.

Indoor Air: A Smoky Trap

Burning wood releases a cocktail of harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These microscopic particles can easily infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing a range of health problems:

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Holiday Cheer, Hazy Air: How Festive Practices Can Harm Indoor Air Quality

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The holidays are a time for celebration, filled with the warmth of family gatherings, delicious meals, and festive decorations. However, amidst the joy, some seemingly harmless traditions can have unintended consequences for our indoor air quality.

1. Culinary Combustion: The Peril of Holiday Feasts

Holiday dinners often involve hours spent in the kitchen, with ovens cranking and stoves blazing, filling the air with a medley of aromas. While tempting, this culinary combustion releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking oils, burning meat, and even vegetables. VOCs can irritate eyes and lungs, exacerbate respiratory issues, and contribute to poor air quality. Keep ventilation on!

2. Fragrant Fumes: The Unseen Threat of Candles and Incense

Candles and incense are staples of holiday decor, adding warmth and ambience to our homes. Unfortunately, their burning releases pollutants like particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, impacting air quality. For those with asthma or allergies, these irritants can trigger unpleasant reactions. Say no to candles and incense burning!

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Warming Up your Vehicle in Winter is Dangerous for your Health & Illegal (US Version)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

As we face the frigid temperatures brought by polar vortexes in the US, the last thing anyone wants is to enter a freezing cold car. However, it is important to note that in many states, warming up your vehicle by letting it idle is actually illegal.

Regardless of the duration, idling is considered an automatic misdemeanor in most states. Surprisingly, even using the automatic start feature on your car can be against the law in some states. The penalties for idling vary depending on the jurisdiction. For example, in Washington D.C., you could face a $5,000 fine if your car idles for just three (3) minutes. However, some states are more lenient, like Pennsylvania, where idling is allowed for up to twenty (20) minutes when the temperature is below 40ºF (4ºC).

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