ATMOS Aerosol Research performs global air measurements. For this purpose, data from satellites, ground stations and/or targeted flights are analyzed. Aerosols are tiny particles in the air that can be harmful or beneficial to health. Using the high-precision aerosol retrieval algorithm GRASP, evaluations by ATMOS Aerosol Research provide the world’s most comprehensive and accurate information on height, composition, concentration and size.
The initial spark for the founding of ATMOS Aerosol Research was an extended feasibility study for the construction of the ATMOS Selfness Resort, where cystic fibrosis patients, among others, are to find relaxation. Due to an incurable gene defect, those affected have to struggle with mucous organs. For them, the concentration of salt water particles in the air is crucial. It loosens the mucus in the lungs and opens the bronchial tubes. But the goodness of our air affects far more people.
Arnold Schwarzenegger already warned at the Austrian World Summit 2018 that 90% of the world’s population is exposed to bad air. At the time, the WHO predicted that by 2020 “air pollution” would become the third leading cause of death (see: “Rare Airs – Rare Earths“). Fine particulate matter is already responsible for 9 million deaths worldwide (see PNAS: Global estimates of mortality associated with long-term exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter). Meanwhile, a memorable precedent was fought out in court: For the first time, “air pollution” was entered on a death certificate as the cause of Ella Kissi-Debrah’s death. Ella lived to be only 9 years old (see: CNN: Air pollution a cause of UK girl’s death, finds global landmark ruling). A Chinese study also concluded that persistently poor air not only damages health, but also intelligence (see PNAS: The impact of exposure to air pollution on cognitive performance).
For more research and information, read our ATMOS blog.
