Air Pollution

May 7, 2009 by  
Filed under News

smoggy-cityJust last week the list of the most hazardous cities in regards to air quality was released. Sadly, on the heels of that report, is a report that it may be far worse than originally expected.

Pollution levels have historically been calculated using sensors on the ground.  Because of a lack of resources and funding in many populated areas, a scientist decided to use satellite data to see if they could determine air pollution levels.  What they found is that particulates are 5 to 10 times higher than guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At this point, there is nothing reported about remedies to the situation.  More than likely, a cross section of scientists will look at the data, determine its statistical significance and evaluate future methods of measuring air quality.

In the meantime, be aware that the air might not be as clean as we think.

by Jennifer Jaykins