Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is one of the leading causes of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases worldwide. These ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, carrying toxic organic compounds and heavy metals that trigger systemic inflammatory responses in the human body. According to the latest scientific reports, the link between air pollution and cognitive decline-related diseases is becoming increasingly evident, placing significant pressure on public healthcare systems. Major emission sources from urban transportation, industrial production, and biomass burning activities pose critical challenges for rapidly developing cities.
Improving air quality requires coordinated efforts, from tightening industrial emission standards to promoting green public transportation systems. Smart cities are increasingly deploying IoT-based sensor networks to monitor pollution levels in real time, providing early warning information to residents. At the same time, planning green corridors and developing environmentally friendly urban spaces help mitigate the negative effects of urban heat islands and pollution. This is not only an environmental protection task but also a core strategy to enhance urban quality of life. Investing in clean energy and promoting sustainable lifestyles are key to reducing the disease burden associated with air pollution, moving toward the goal of creating healthy and livable cities (Yin et al., 2024).
Authors: Hao Phu Dong, Binh Thanh Nguyen*
References:
Yin, H., McDuffie, E. E., Martin, R. V., & Brauer, M. (2024). Global health costs of ambient PM2· 5 from combustion sources: a modelling study supporting air pollution control strategies. The Lancet Planetary Health, 8(7), e476-e488.
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