Why Air Quality Is the Silent Health Crisis

Most of us don’t think twice about the air we breathe. It is always there, all around us, invisible and constant. So it is easy to assume it is safe.

But what if it is not?

At PurerAir, we have spent a lot of time looking into what is really in the air. And the truth is hard to ignore. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe limits for at least one key pollutant. That means even when we are doing everything else right — eating well, exercising, and taking care of our health — we might still be exposed to harmful air every day.

And most of us are not even aware of it.

We believe this is a silent health crisis. One that deserves more awareness and a new kind of solution.

What’s Actually in the Air?

Even when air feels clean, it can carry invisible pollutants that impact our health. Here are four of the most common ones:

PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)

These are particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which can travel deep into our lungs. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), PM2.5 is responsible for over 253,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2021 alone. They mostly come from traffic, fuel combustion, and industrial activity.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

This gas is produced by car engines, power plants, and gas heaters. Long-term exposure has been linked to lung inflammation and reduced lung function. The EEA reported that NO₂ contributed to around 52,000 premature deaths in Europe in 2021.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Found indoors, VOCs are released from paints, cleaning products, and furniture. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that VOC levels indoors can be up to ten times higher than outdoors. Long-term exposure may impact the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Ground-Level Ozone (O₃)

This is a harmful pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicles and industry. Ozone exposure can worsen asthma and respiratory illnesses. The EEA attributes approximately 20,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2021 to ozone exposure.

What This Means for Our Health

Polluted air affects people in different ways, but almost everyone feels the impact over time. Short-term exposure can lead to coughing, headaches, and fatigue. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

In total, air pollution causes more than 6.7 million premature deaths globally each year, according to The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health (2022). That is more than alcohol, road accidents, and HIV/AIDS combined.

For vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart conditions, the risks are even greater.

Is Indoor Air Really Safer?

It might be surprising, but indoor air is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the US EPA. This happens because pollutants can accumulate in closed spaces. Sources include cooking, cleaning products, mold, smoke, and even new furniture.

And since people in Europe spend up to 90% of their time indoors (according to the EEA), this exposure really matters.

Why Don’t We Hear About This More Often?

Air pollution is invisible. Unless there is thick smog or a strong smell, we usually do not notice it. Even when we do want to learn more, most air monitoring systems are limited. The sensors might be located far away, the data may not be up to date, or the results can be difficult to interpret.

That makes it harder for people to take action — whether at home, at work, or in their communities.

We believe everyone deserves to know what they are breathing.

A More Transparent Future for Air Quality

At PurerAir, we are creating a way for people to monitor air quality in a way that is simple, clear, and reliable. Our system combines sensor technology, blockchain for data integrity, and decentralized science so that people can access their own data and trust it.

We are not here to alarm or overwhelm anyone. We are here to help. Because once you know what is in your air, you can make more informed choices. And when people start making changes, communities and cities can follow.

Better air starts with better awareness.

Join the Movement

We are getting ready to launch and would love for you to be part of the journey. If you want to be the first to hear about the PurerAir sensor and app, sign up for our waitlist today.

Together, we can breathe easier.