Air quality is something many of us take for granted until it's compromised. As a Dutch company with operations in Thailand, we've gained unique insights into how air quality varies across different regions and impacts people's lives. Today, we'd like to share what we've learned about air quality, its effects, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What exactly is air quality?
Air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is. Clean air contains the right balance of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of other compounds. Polluted air, on the other hand, contains harmful substances at levels that pose health risks.
The most common air pollutants include:
- Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles suspended in the air, categorized by size (PM10 and PM2.5)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A gas primarily from vehicle emissions and power plants
- Ozone (O3): A gas formed by chemical reactions between pollutants
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Released when burning fossil fuels
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Formed by incomplete combustion of fuels
How is air quality measured?
Most countries use an Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate how polluted the air is. The scale typically ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse pollution.
For PM2.5 (one of the most concerning pollutants because of its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs) measurements are given in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³):
- 0-12 μg/m³: Good
- 12-35 μg/m³: Moderate
- 35-55 μg/m³: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 55-150 μg/m³: Unhealthy
- 150-250 μg/m³: Very unhealthy
- 250+ μg/m³: Hazardous
A Tale of Two Regions: The Netherlands vs. Northern Thailand
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, we typically enjoy good air quality, with PM2.5 levels usually between 10-15 μg/m³. Our flat landscape allows air to move freely, and stringent European regulations help control pollution sources. Additionally, our rainy climate helps clean the air naturally.
However, even the Netherlands faces challenges:
- Dense urban areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam experience higher pollution levels
- Agricultural activities contribute to ammonia emissions
- North Sea shipping routes contribute to coastal air pollution
Northern Thailand
By contrast, our team in Northern Thailand experiences dramatic seasonal changes in air quality. During the dry season (February to April), PM2.5 levels can soar to 150-300 μg/m³, well into the "very unhealthy" to "hazardous" range.
This occurs due to a perfect storm of factors:
- Agricultural burning: After harvest, many fields are cleared by burning
- Forest fires: Both natural and human-caused fires in surrounding mountains
- Topographical trap: Mountain valleys contain and concentrate pollution
- Dry conditions: Lack of rain means particles remain airborne longer
- Urban emissions: Vehicle exhaust and construction add to the problem
The visual difference is striking: clear blue skies transition to a persistent haze that obscures mountains and dims the sun.
Health impacts of poor air quality
The health effects of air pollution depend on:
- The concentration of pollutants
- Duration of exposure
- Your overall health
- The specific pollutants present
Short-term effects
Even brief exposure to poor air quality can cause:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Coughing and shortness of breath
- Headaches and dizziness
- Fatigue and nausea
- Worsening of existing respiratory conditions like asthma
Long-term effects
Chronic exposure to polluted air has been linked to:
- Reduced lung function
- Development of respiratory diseases like COPD
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Higher susceptibility to respiratory infections
- Potential cognitive impacts and developmental issues in children
- Higher cancer risk, particularly lung cancer
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to heavily polluted air can reduce life expectancy by 1-2 years, a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of air quality interventions.
Vulnerable groups
Some people face higher risks from air pollution:
- Children: Their developing lungs and higher respiratory rates make them particularly susceptible
- Elderly individuals: Often have compromised immune systems and existing health conditions
- Pregnant women: Exposure may affect fetal development
- People with pre-existing conditions: Especially respiratory or cardiovascular diseases
- Outdoor workers: Face prolonged exposure without protection
Practical protection strategies
Whether you're in a moderately polluted city or a region with severe air quality challenges, these strategies can help:
Monitor air quality
- Use reliable apps like IQAir AirVisual, AirNow, or local government monitoring sites
- Learn to recognize visual cues of poor air quality
- Pay attention to air quality forecasts and plan accordingly
Creating cleaner indoor air
- Use HEPA air purifiers in frequently used spaces
- Keep windows closed during high pollution events
- Change AC filters regularly
- Consider indoor plants that help filter air (though their impact is modest)
- Avoid indoor pollution sources like smoking, burning candles, or using harsh cleaning chemicals
Personal Protection
- Use N95/FFP2 masks during pollution spikes (cloth masks don't filter fine particles)
- Limit outdoor exercise during poor air quality days (sad, we know, but sometimes necessary)
- Schedule outdoor activities for times when pollution is lower (often early morning)
- Create a "clean room" in your home with sealed windows and air purification. This would be best for your bedroom!
Supporting your body
- Stay well-hydrated to help your body process toxins
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea
- Consider indoor exercise options during pollution events
- Maintain good overall health to build resilience
When we breathe polluted air, our bodies experience something called "oxidative stress." Essentially, environmental pollutants generate harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage our cells and tissues. The good news? Nature has provided a powerful defense in the form of fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants. These colorful foods contain flavonoids and bioactive compounds that help neutralize the damaging effects of pollution-induced oxidative stress. While synthetic antioxidant supplements exist, research shows mixed results about their effectiveness: they may help when oxidative stress is abnormally high but aren't necessarily beneficial otherwise. Your best bet? Focus on eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables daily (or freeze-dried whole plants) rather than relying on synthetic supplements. This natural approach provides your body with the diverse antioxidant compounds it needs to combat the invisible threat of air pollution, especially during peak pollution seasons.
Source: The Protective Role of Antioxidants in the Defence against ROS/RNS-Mediated Environmental Pollution
Global progress and challenges
Air quality is improving in many developed regions:
- Western Europe and North America have seen significant improvements over recent decades
- Beijing has made remarkable progress through aggressive pollution control measures
- Many cities are implementing low emission zones and promoting electric transportation
However, challenges remain:
- Many developing regions still lack effective monitoring and regulations
- Climate change is increasing wildfire frequency and intensity
- Growing urbanization puts more people in pollution hotspots
- Agricultural practices remain a major source of seasonal pollution in many regions
Looking Forward
Addressing air quality challenges requires both individual action and systemic change. By understanding air quality and its impacts, we can make informed choices to protect our health while supporting broader environmental initiatives.
Whether you're in the Netherlands, Thailand, or anywhere else in the world, clean air matters: it's essential for our health, well-being, and the vitality of our communities.