Proximity to freeways increases exposure to harmful air pollutants linked to serious health risks. Vehicular air pollution can spread over a mile from its source, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.
Air pollution affects everyone, but women and girls often face higher exposure and greater health risks, especially during pregnancy and in underserved communities.
Learn how schools, government agencies, and rural communities are using next-gen air quality sensors to prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke in California.
Air pollution disrupts sleep. Poor air quality affects respiratory health and the central nervous system, while global warming’s nighttime warmth additionally interferes with the body’s circadian thermoregulation.
In San Francisco, New York, and London, public transportation lowers greenhouse gases and other pollutants, improving urban air quality and supporting public health.
Electric Vehicles eliminate tailpipe air pollution but still produce some emissions from wear, charging, and manufacturing. Cleaner energy and battery recycling help reduce EV air pollution.
Ambient and indoor air pollution come from different sources but often mix, exposing people to harmful pollutants like particulate matter, and contributing to long-term health and environmental problems.
Air pollution has changed over time, with sources evolving from wood burning and smelting to widespread fossil fuel use, industrial emissions, and intensified wildfires.
While global burned area from wildfires has declined due to land use changes, many regions are experiencing more intense fire seasons, with more people living in high-risk areas.
In 2025, wildfire activity has varied across regions, with some areas seeing drier weather and more severe fire seasons than usual. Changing climate conditions continue to increase wildfires and affect air quality worldwide.
Wildfire smoke contains a complex mix of harmful pollutants, such as ozone precursors, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter like PM2.5 and black carbon. These pollutants can affect health and travel far from the fire source.
Technology can be used to move policy, by providing better datasets to mayors. Panelist David Lu, CEO of Clarity Movement, highlighted the power of data.
We now have smart homes and smart cars, so it’s no surprise that our cities are becoming smarter every day. One problem plaguing many big cities is air pollution, and one company is using technology to help remedy the problem.
TenX has invested in Clarity, a three-year-old company that makes air-pollution monitoring devices which provide hyper-localised and real-time air-quality readings in metropolitan areas.