What does air quality refer to?

Air quality in cities refers to the level of pollutants and other harmful particles present in the air, often resulting from human activities such as transportation and industrial processes. Poor air quality can cause a range of negative health impacts, such as respiratory illnesses and heart disease, and can also damage buildings, crops, and natural ecosystems. Air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as low-income communities and people of color.

How does air quality impact your community?

People living in areas that have poor air quality can experience the following:

• Negative health impacts including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, preterm and low-birthweight infants, and poor mental health.
• Damage to the community's natural ecosystems, crops, and buildings

Poor air quality in cities can have various negative environmental impacts, such as:

• acid rain,
• ozone depletion, and
• climate change

Air pollution can also harm plant and animal life, degrade soil quality, and contribute to the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, air pollution can damage buildings and infrastructure, resulting in increased maintenance costs and reduced lifespan. The negative environmental impacts of air pollution highlight the need for effective policies and practices to improve air quality in urban areas.