Levegminség

Levegminség, or air quality, refers to the condition of the ambient air in a given location, influenced by natural and human-made pollutants. It encompasses outdoor air and, in many contexts, indoor air quality, which can be affected by heating, cooking, ventilation, and building materials. Air quality is typically assessed by measuring concentrations of specific pollutants and by using composite indices that summarize health risks for the population.

The main pollutants are fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Measurements are reported in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) for particulates and in parts per billion or µg/m³ for gases. Public guidance often uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) or similar national indices to convey overall quality and health advice.

Impacts of poor air quality include increased incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma attacks, reduced life expectancy, and adverse effects on ecosystems and visibility. Major emission sources are road transport, power generation and industry, residential heating, and, in some regions, agricultural activities and wildfires.

Monitoring and improvement: air quality is monitored by networks of ground stations, supplemented by mobile sensors and satellite data. Policy measures aim to reduce emissions through cleaner energy, electrification of transport, enhanced public transit, energy efficiency, and improved ventilation in buildings. International guidelines and national regulations set standards to protect health, with ongoing efforts to reduce exposure and address indoor and outdoor environments.