The Importance of Clean Air and Today's Air Quality Concerns

The concern over air quality dates back to ancient times, with even Hippocratic principles of environmental health addressing this issue . As far back as 1306, King Edward of England took action by passing legislation that prohibited the burning of sea-coal due to its combustion emissions . Clean air stands as a fundamental cornerstone of life, encompassing not only human existence but also the broader biosphere. Unfortunately, contemporary human activities such as industrial processes, energy generation, residential heating, and transportation persist in generating pollutants that significantly degrade air quality. The repercussions of this deterioration are vast, with air pollution inflicting significant harm upon the environment and ecosystems .

Beyond the catastrophic environmental damage, the consequences of these activities reverberate profoundly in terms of human health and overall well-being. Outdoor and indoor air pollution collectively contribute to an alarming annual toll of 6.7 million premature deaths . In fact, it is now estimated to be on par with other major global risks such as unhealthy diet and tobacco smoking . Air pollution is now recognised as the single biggest environmental threat to human life . Within the European Union, the consequences for citizens' quality of life remain substantial, especially in urban hubs where persistently inadequate air quality standards pose an ongoing health risk . The economic impact is also substantial, as air pollution is projected to cost the European Union an annual total of 330 billion euros . This financial burden encompasses the consequences of disease exacerbated by air pollution, as well as the associated loss of productivity and elevated healthcare expenses .