Breathless: Why Air Pollution Matters - and How it Affects You

Breathless is a documentary that looks at the facts behind air pollution in everyday life, showing how it affects our bodies and how much of it occurs in unexpected places. It is based on the latest science and will allow viewers to make up their own minds about the risks and trade-offs of modern living.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Icon Books

Take a deep breath. You'll do it 20,000 times a day. You assume all this air is clean; it's the very breath of life. But in Delhi, the toxic smog is as bad for you as smoking 50 cigarettes a day. Even a few days in Paris, London, or Rome is equivalent to two or three cigarettes. Air pollution is implicated in six of the top ten causes of death worldwide, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Breathless gives us clear facts about air pollution in our everyday lives, showing how it affects our bodies, how much of it occurs in unexpected places (indoors, inside your car), and how you can minimise the risks. Rooted in the latest science, including real-time air-quality experiments in city streets and ordinary homes, it will allow you to make up your own mind about the risks and trade-offs of modern living - wherever in the world you are.

Delhi's air pollution is a major concern, with the toxic smog being as bad for health as smoking 50 cigarettes a day. Even a few days in cities like Paris, London, or Rome can have similar effects on health as smoking two or three cigarettes. Air pollution is a global health issue, and it is implicated in six of the top ten causes of death worldwide, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Breathless provides a comprehensive look at air pollution in our everyday lives, revealing how it affects our bodies and the environment. The film is based on the latest science, including real-time air-quality experiments in city streets and ordinary homes. It aims to empower viewers to make informed decisions about the risks and trade-offs of modern living, wherever they are in the world.

One of the key findings of Breathless is that air pollution is not just an outdoor problem. Indoors, where we spend most of our time, can also be highly polluted. The film highlights the risks of indoor air pollution, such as exposure to harmful chemicals from cleaning products, furniture, and building materials. It also shows how simple changes, such as using natural cleaning products, opening windows to ventilate, and choosing non-toxic furniture, can reduce indoor air pollution.

Another important aspect of Breathless is the impact of air pollution on our health. The film shows that exposure to air pollution can lead to a range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. It highlights the importance of taking steps, such as reducing exposure to air pollution, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, to reduce the risk of developing these health problems.

Breathless also explores the role of governments, businesses, and individuals in addressing air pollution. It shows that while governments have a crucial role to play in setting air quality standards and implementing policies to reduce air pollution, businesses and individuals can also make a significant difference. The film suggests that businesses can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and reducing waste. Individuals can also make a difference by reducing their own carbon footprint, such as by using public transportation, walking or cycling instead of driving, and reducing their consumption of meat and dairy products.

In conclusion, Breathless is a powerful film that provides a clear and compelling look at air pollution in our everyday lives. It shows how it affects our bodies, how much of it occurs in unexpected places, and how we can minimise the risks. The film is rooted in the latest science, and it aims to empower viewers to make informed decisions about the risks and trade-offs of modern living, wherever in the world they are. By taking simple steps, such as reducing exposure to air pollution, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, we can all make a difference in addressing this global health issue.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785788451