WHITE BOOK - Air pollution guide

Understanding Air Pollution

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe. These substances include fine particles, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sources of air pollution can be natural, such as volcanic eruptions, but they are mainly linked to human activity, such as emissions from vehicles, industry, factories and the fuels used in heating systems.

Activities such as the burning of wood and other fuels in the residential sector, agriculture and transport also contribute significantly to emissions of polluting gases. In France, emissions from these sectors are often below regulatory thresholds, but may exceed safe levels in some regions, particularly in winter, when combustion heating systems increase.

Effects on Health and the Environment

The effects of air pollution are serious and varied. Air pollution can lead to chronic respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, allergies and even cancer. It is responsible for a significant proportion of premature deaths worldwide, according to the WHO. In addition to its impact on health, air pollution also affects the environment: it contributes to global warming, ocean acidification and the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems. Fine suspended particles and gases such as carbon dioxide and ozone have a direct impact on air quality and ecosystems.

Studies on atmospheric pollution show that urban areas have higher concentrations of pollutants, linked to the density of vehicles and industry. These pollutants are not only harmful to health, but also to the environment, by altering soil values and the chemical composition of the air.

Main sources of air pollution

Air pollution sources can be classified into different categories:

• Vehicles 
• Industry and agriculture 
• Residential sector 

Atmospheric gases such as ozone and carbon dioxide are the main contributors to global warming, while fine particles (PM10 and PM2.5) have a direct impact on respiratory health.

An Air Quality Monitoring Solution with Nexelec

Nexelec offers a range of sensors designed to monitor air quality and detect the main atmospheric pollutants. These sensors are capable of measuring particles and gases such as carbon dioxide, ozone and nitrogen oxides, and provide real-time data on the state of air pollution. 

This data is essential for adapting pollution reduction strategies and improving health. Nexelec sensors provide a better understanding of pollutant concentrations, enable air quality to be monitored and real-time measures to be taken to improve the environment.