Sustainable Development Goals and Air Quality
Introduction
Those living on the west coast are accustomed to dealing with smoky conditions and compromised air quality. However, even on the east coast, occasional instances of hazardous air quality occur. Protecting oneself from even a few hours of smoky air is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Read more: Best Air Purifier
Adding an air purifier to your home can significantly help improve indoor air quality. It is essential to consider the impact of poor air quality on health and take necessary precautions.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was established by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1999 to monitor air quality and its potential health effects. The AQI rates how clean or polluted the air is in a specific area and provides insights into the health risks associated with breathing outdoor air.
- Good (Green): 0-50 AQI – Little to no health risk
- Moderate (Yellow): 51-100 AQI – Acceptable air quality, but sensitive individuals may experience adverse effects
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): 101-150 AQI – Health risk for vulnerable populations
- Unhealthy (Red): 151-200 AQI – Unsafe air quality for everyone
- Very Unhealthy (Purple): 201-300 AQI – Serious health risk for all individuals
- Hazardous (Maroon): 300+ AQI – Emergency level, hazardous air quality
Actions to Take in Poor Air Quality Conditions
If the air quality in your area is compromised, especially during wildfire events, it is essential to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Individuals with respiratory issues, heart conditions, children, and older adults should be particularly cautious.
If the AQI falls within unhealthy ranges, sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities. In more moderate ranges, reducing time spent outdoors can still be beneficial. In very unhealthy or hazardous conditions, it is advisable to stay indoors and avoid exposure to polluted air as much as possible.
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Wearing a properly fitted N95 mask can help protect against harmful pollutants in the air. Surgical masks or bandanas are not effective in filtering out pollutants. Additionally, using an air purifier at home can help reduce indoor pollution levels.
Conclusion
Ensuring good air quality is essential for public health and well-being. By understanding the AQI and taking appropriate measures during poor air quality episodes, individuals can safeguard their health and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and environmental protection.
## SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
### 1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
### 2. Specific Targets Identified:
– SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
### 3. Indicators for Measurement:
– The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, which rates air quality from 0 to 500, can be used as an indicator to measure the level of pollution in the air.
– The categorization of AQI levels (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, Hazardous) provides specific indicators to assess the health risks associated with air quality.
### 4. Table of Findings:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|————————————–|———————————————————————————————–|—————————————————————————————————————–|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from air pollution | Air Quality Index (AQI) scale rating from 0 to 500 |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | Categorization of AQI levels (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, Hazardous) |
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Fuente: cnet.com
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