If, over the last couple of years you’ve wondered about the quality of the air, you wouldn’t be alone. Scientists are charting data that is – honestly – a little scary. What’s really going on with the earth’s air? Here are 6 frightening facts:
ONE: The air quality right now isn’t all that good!
Currently, one in four Americans is already exposed to “unhealthy” air as classified by the Air Quality Index, (AQI). This figure is based on daily air quality readings across the country. From greenhouse gases caused by vehicles and fossil fuel emissions, that deep breath of air you suck in may not be good for you!
TWO: Air quality is predicted to get much worse!
While for 25% of Americans, air quality right now isn’t good, the predictions for future years are much worse.
That 25% figure is expected to surge by 50% in the coming decades.
By 2054, thirty years from now, experts predict that 125 MILLION Americans will be breathing polluted air.
THREE: Wildfires are causing the air quality to worsen
Wildfires are increasing. In excess of 988 MILLION acres of land across the globe were destroyed by wildfires. More than two hundred and fifty people lost their lives.
In addition to the tragic loss of lives and the brutal destruction of land and property, those wildfires emitted 6.5 BILLION tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Wildfires produce smoke and ash that expand into the air for miles. That dirty, sooty air contains PM2.5 particles that can be inhaled and can penetrate deep into the lungs. Particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less has even crossed the blood-brain barrier. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to debilitating conditioners, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and significant respiratory ailments.
FOUR: A single wildfire can have a dramatic impact
In 2023, Canada experienced the worst wildfire in its history. Winds swept the air that had been saturated with the smoke and ash from its fire down into the United States.
Even though the fire wasn’t on our soil, it dramatically impacted our air quality, leading to the highest average exposure to air pollution we’ve had since 2006.
FIVE: Wildfires are not limited to the Western States
Often, we hear of wildfires spreading across the vast open plains, heated by the sun and filled with brush. Recently, Texas has experienced horrible wildfires. Most people remember the tragic fire in Maui in 2023.
But Florida is not immune to the danger of wildfires.
Florida’s risk of wildfires has increased Victoria Donovan, assistant professor of forest management at the University of Florida notes,
"We're seeing increases in large wildfire size, the number of large wildfires, and the total hectares or acres burned by large wildfires.”
By Dec of 2023, Florida had 2,656 wildfires burning 101,188 acres of land!
SIX: The earth is getting hotter
Every month we hear that it was the hottest month on record. While the final data from around the globe is being analyzed, many experts believe that February 2024 was the hottest one ever. Reuters reports,
“If confirmed, that would be the ninth consecutive monthly temperature record to be broken, according to data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA will publish final figures for February around March 14, according to its press office.”
Predictions are that 2024 has a one in three chance that it will be warmer than 2023. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, NOAA, says that there is a 99% chance this year will rank among the five warmest on record.
Better news ahead!
As hard as we try, there are some things we can’t control.
We don’t have the power to stop heatwaves or wildfires that worsen the quality of the earth’s air!
But here’s the good news about the increasing danger of air pollution.
Air filtration and purification devices cleanse and purify the air inside your home. They eliminate dust, germs, pollen, pet dander, and airborne contaminants. Our REME Halo is a cost-effective way to guarantee that the air you breathe is the best quality possible.
The REME Halo is a very easy insertion for a professional tech. It’s maintenance-free and beneficial to your health.
From now until June 30th, get $100 off a REME Halo!
Even if the world is burning around you, you’d be safe breathing inside your home!