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Knowledge

It is crucial for sustaining life, providing the oxygen necessary for humans, animals and plants to breathe. It also protects us from harmful radiation and helps regulate the Earth's temperature.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

Air is the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth, consisting mainly of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with trace amounts of other gases. It is a key element for life, enabling organisms to breathe.

If you care about nature conservation - and we know you do - then you need to be aware that air quality is invaluable! It affects both human health and entire ecosystems. 

Man only makes it worse

Natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires used to be the only sources of air pollution, but nowadays human activity is a rapidly growing problem. We are doing harm when we should be helping!

Damage to cars and industry

Air pollution, such as emissions from vehicles or industry, can lead to serious consequences. These include respiratory diseases in humans, soil and water degradation and negative impacts on flora and fauna.

Move, do something!

Air protection includes regulating emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and educating the public about sustainable lifestyles. What can you do then? Elect 'green' politicians, scrutinise them and raise awareness of the problem all around you.

Scientists confirm: It's bad 

Scientific data indicate that pollution has both natural sources and - above all - is related to human activity (anthropogenic pollution).

This is a problem that absolutely cannot be ignored and is caused by the introduction of solid, liquid and gaseous substances into the atmosphere. 

A lethal mixture - smog

Smog is an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of a mixture of smoke, exhaust fumes and dust in the air, which forms a dense fog, especially in cities.

It is mainly created by emissions from industry, transport and home heating, especially in winter. 

The effects of air pollution are complex and include not only health risksbut also impacts on climate, soil quality and aquatic ecosystems.

It is therefore imperative that we say: STOP and put in place countermeasures: reducing emissions, developing environmentally friendly technologies and educating people about the effects of air pollution. Will you help!

What exactly are we harming?

  • Transport

    Motor vehicle emissions, especially vehicle exhaust, are a significant source of air pollution, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

  • Heating of buildings

    Fuels used for heating, especially in traditional cookers, are another source of air pollutant emissions such as sulphur oxides and particulate matter.

  • Industry

    Industrial activities, including manufacturing, also generate emissions of air pollutants such as chemicals and dust.

  • Energy and agriculture

    Emissions related to energy or agriculture, particularly from fuel combustion processes, are a major source of air pollution, including nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide.

Billions through smog

Smog components such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

The costs of smog in Poland are enormous, according to a Greenpeace report and Deloitte analyses they amount to between PLN 57 and 132 billion per year! These include expenses for the treatment of diseases caused by smog.

  • Human health
  • Environment
  • Enormous costs

Global warming

Global warming is also linked to air pollution. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and fluorinated gases, are emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels. These gases 'trap' heat in the atmosphere (i.e.: they are able to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere), leading to an increase in the Earth's temperature and contributing to the greenhouse effect.