Critical air quality deterioration in North America

A study conducted by an international team of scientists from the University of Waterloo has provided worrying predictions about air quality in the US. According to it, in 75 years, the number of air quality warnings will quadruple compared to the current situation. This means that by 2100, Americans will have to stay home 142 more days a year to avoid serious health risks.

The study was published in the renowned scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences under the title Health and equity implications of individual adaptation to air pollution in a changing climate.

Rebecca Saari, lead author of the study, said her team, made up of experts from both sides of the border, is also analyzing the situation in Canada.

"Generally, the air is a little cleaner here (in Canada). We have fewer alert days here than in the U.S.,” she said. “But we do see the same kind of general trends of things worsening if we don’t reduce emissions, mainly in our major cities.”

Saari also emphasized the inequalities caused by differences in housing conditions. She pointed out the difficulties faced by homeless people, workers who have to spend long periods of time outdoors and those whose homes do not provide adequate protection from internal and external sources of pollution. This is particularly true for black citizens and nursing home residents, who are more likely to be in less favorable conditions to counteract the effects of poor air quality.

This study highlights not only environmental problems but also social injustices related to air quality and its impact on the health of different population groups. It calls for the need for action to reduce emissions and improve living conditions in vulnerable communities.