[Experimental Version]
?What is Outdoor Air Pollution
​Air pollution is a complex problem, and in most cases invisible.
It is the presence in the atmosphere of gases, dust and particles at a percentage that may be harmful
to humans, animals and plants.
Common air pollutants in the atmosphere are carbon monoxide (CO), ground-level ozone (O3),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
The information that was provided by NASEEM solutions at current time referred to particulate matter PM.
Air pollution can contribute to public health problems, the formation of photochemical smog and the reduction of visibility, the formation of acid rain and the damage to buildings and monuments, water quality deterioration, decrease in soil productivity, flora and fauna damages.
?What is Citizen Science Approach
Citizen Science allows people without professional scientific training to use simple technical tools to explore questions that concern them such as the Ambient Air Pollution problem. People learn through their engagement and can then make an informed contribution to public debate.
The Citizen Science approach that is used in NASEEM can give you a voice. Let’s collect the data we need to raise awareness and fight for change for better environment. Low tech methods such as low-cost sensors (LCS), developing open source code, gathering data from different sources, mean that everyone within a community can get involved and become a citizen scientist.
?What is Low Cost Sensors
Low-cost air quality sensors (LCS) are a relatively new technology that measures specific air pollutants, typically particulate matter and occasionally gaseous pollutants, and cost much less than traditional fixed air quality monitors.
The development and use of low-cost sensors to monitor reactive air pollutants, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases have continued to accelerate and is a tool used throughout academic research, and regulatory surveillance, and serves the public interest by individual, government, and business users (WMO 2020).
These devices continue to be appealing to end-users because, as a class of instrumentation, they are relatively inexpensive to procure, are often available in small size and weight, use lower amounts of power, and can report a wide range of environmental information to the end user (WMO 2020).
?What is Earth Observation
Earth Observation (EO) refers to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data about our planet using satellite-based sensors, aerial platforms, and ground-based instruments.
It enables the continuous monitoring of the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems, capturing information on land use, water resources, climate change, and natural disasters.
Through remote sensing technologies, EO provides valuable insights that support environmental management, urban planning, disaster response, and scientific research. By offering a global perspective, Earth Observation plays a crucial role in addressing pressing challenges such as sustainability, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
What is Open Satellite Data?
Open Satellite Data refers to freely accessible and shareable information collected by Earth observation satellites. This data is made available to the public, researchers, governments, and organizations without the need for expensive licenses or subscriptions.
It includes various types of satellite imagery and measurements, such as weather patterns, land use, atmospheric composition, and ocean conditions.
Open Satellite Data empowers communities and professionals to monitor environmental changes, support scientific research, enhance disaster response efforts, and contribute to sustainable development. By promoting transparency and collaboration, it democratizes access to critical global information and fosters innovation across multiple fields.
International Guidelines & Reports
The Global Health Cost of PM2.5 Air PollutionA Case for Action Beyond 2021, The World Bank, 2022
Billions of people in developing countries live in places where the ambient and indoor concentrations of PM2.5 are multiple times higher than the health-based guideline values for air quality established by the World Health Organization (WHO). An estimated 6.4 million people died prematurely world-wide in 2019 due to exposure to PM2.5 air pollution. About 95 percent of those deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (GBD 2019 study1). Seventy percent of the deaths occurred in East Asia and the Pacific, and South Asia. There were six countries with more than 100,000 deaths from PM2.5, and nine countries with 50,000–100,000 deaths.
Arab and National Reports
Arab Republic of Egypt - Cost of Environmental Degradation: Air and Water Pollution, The World Bank, 2019
The cost of ambient PM2. 5 air pollution in Greater Cairo was the highest, with a central estimate of LE 47 billion, equivalent to 1.35 percent of GDP. The cost of inadequate drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene nationwide was LE 39 billion, equivalent to 1.15 percent of GDP.
Published ResearchPapers
A review of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in greater Cairo, Egypt, 2020
Greater Cairo is the largest metropolitan area in Egypt, with an estimated population density of 13107 people/km2. The increased population and, thus, rapid urban growth in Greater Cairo has created a problem of overcrowded streets filled with cars and trucks which plays a big role in increased air pollution. This review aimed to showing concentrations of PM (PM10, PM2.5) and SO2 in Greater Cairo during last years. Also, showing Sources of Air Pollutants, efforts of the Government of Egypt to Improve Air Quality, Egyptian Laws and guidelines, Regulations and Policies. In addition, showing role of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and national network to monitoring air pollutants. Finally, compare levels monitored in Greater Cairo with other cities at different countries around the world.
