How can we improve ai r qual it y? > Explain what the main chemical pollutants in the atmosphere are. > Do you think it is important to do research to improve air quality? Why? Why air pollution kills us According to recent estimates by the WHO, air pollution in cities and rural areas around the world causes seven million premature deaths each year. To bring it closer to home, that means more than 400 000 premature deaths a year in Europe. These deaths are due to exposure to an invisible enemy : small particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. They cause cardiovascular and respirator y diseases, and cancer. A complex mixture of solid particles, liquid droplets and chemical gases form from industrial emissions, the burning of solid fuels, traf fic and many other sources. […] Improving air quality requires action by cities; our mayors; and , of course, by national and international agencies in sectors such as transport, energy, construction and agriculture. El País (Adapted) Ma r í a Nei ra González 1962. Asturias. Spain Doctor. Director of Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO 201 5 Technological solutions to reduce environmental pollution in large cities Start-Stop technology. It aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the atmosphere and to save fuel when the vehicle has stopped momentarily, for example at traf fic lights or in traf fic jams. In such situations, the system enters standby mode and shuts down the engine. By simply pressing down the clutch pedal , the engine is activated again . Hand Tree. It is an air -purifying bracelet that works like a plant. It takes in carbon dioxide and converts it into oxygen . According to its young creator, Alexandr Kostin , the bracelet is able to purify the air and remove, among other pollutants, dust and smoke. EcoGranic. This is a pavement that ef fectively eliminates nitrogen oxides, the pollutants that produce the “ berets” that cover some cities. This technology is already used in dozens of cities in Spain . 10
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