Beth Gardiner is the author of Choked, a book which looks at one of the world’s most urgent health threats: dirty air. In this digital short, Beth dispels three myths about air pollution:

1) Dirty air only affects lungs

Polluted air can cause a whole range of issues, increasing our likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, obesity and our cognitive function. Beth explains the threat of PM 2.5 particles, which at 1/30th the width of human hair, can penetrate deep into our lungs and enter our bloodstream.

2) Air pollution is a big city problem

Not only can pollutants be carried thousands of miles by wind, but many agricultural and industrial sites are also hotspots for pollution. Housing nearby polluting factories also tends to come at a lower cost, creating air inequity across the world.

3) Cleaning up air pollution is too complicated and expensive

Beth reminds us of the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act in the US, instituted first in 1963 and then amended several times. As a result, she estimates that there is 70% pollution in the United States than in 1970 - because of key legislation implementation like removing lead from products. Where there is political will - there is a route to cleaner air.