Air Pollution – a Global Threat to our Health from Coursera

We all have to breathe to live. But the air we breathe is polluted both outdoors and indoors. Each year, this pollution costs 7 million lives across the globe – and a lot of suffering. 1 in 8 deaths is due to air pollution. This course will provide you with an introduction to the most recent research in the field of health effects of air pollution as well as a broader understanding of sources and spread of air pollution and what we should do about it.

What is air pollution? What are the sources? How and where are we exposed outdoors and indoors? What happens in the body? Which diseases are the result? Who are the most vulnerable? How can we assess the effects of air pollution? And what should we do to reach the Sustainable Development Goal to “substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution”? These are some of the important questions we will address in the course.

During the course you will meet researchers and experts from the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. They work with different aspects of air pollution and health: toxicology, exposure assessment, epidemiology, engineering and health impact assessment. It is a global responsibility to combat the health impacts of air pollution, and this fight can only be won through new knowledge and global collaboration.

We hope you will join us in the course and equip yourself to take part in this global and individual health challenge.

What's inside

Syllabus

The air we breathe

The air we breathe is full of particles and gases. Some occur naturally, but many are the result of human activities. This first module will look into what air pollution is, where it comes from and what it does to our lungs and the rest of our body.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores sources, effects, and solutions for a global health issue

Covers air pollution's impact on vulnerable populations

Provides diverse perspectives from experts in toxicology, engineering, and epidemiology

Includes practical guidance on reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution

Taught by instructors with extensive research experience in air pollution

Requires a basic understanding of biology and environmental science

Reviews summary

Air pollution: health threats and solutions

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation and comprehensive overview of air pollution as a global health threat. Students appreciate the clear explanations of complex topics, covering sources, health effects, and solutions. Many found the instructors knowledgeable and the content well-structured across modules on outdoor and indoor pollution. Reviewers frequently highlight the course's ability to equip them with valuable insights and a broader understanding of the issue, making it highly relevant for those interested in public health, environmental science, or personal well-being. Some noted it serves as an excellent starting point, while others with prior knowledge still found it a helpful refresher.

Ideal for beginners or general interest.

"This was an excellent starting point for learning about air pollution and health."

"I had limited prior knowledge and found the course very accessible and informative."

"A great introduction for anyone wanting to understand this important topic."

"Perfect for beginners looking for a solid overview."

Experts from leading universities teach.

"Meeting researchers and experts from University of Copenhagen and DTU provided great insights."

"The instructors were clearly experts in their fields and passionate about the topic."

"Their expertise added significant value and credibility to the course content."

"Learned a lot from the various experts presenting the modules."

Information applicable to global health.

"The course highlights the global threat air pollution poses, making the information highly relevant today."

"Understanding the health effects is crucial, and this course directly addresses that."

"The content is directly applicable to understanding a major public health issue."

"Provides valuable insights into a critical global challenge."

Complex topics made understandable.

"The explanations were very clear and easy to follow, even for someone not deeply familiar with the scientific background."

"Instructors explained complex health effects in a way that was accessible yet informative."

"I appreciated how they broke down the different types of pollutants and their specific impacts on the body."

"Topics were presented clearly, making it easy to grasp the material."

Covers sources, health effects, and solutions.

"This course provided a very comprehensive overview of air pollution, covering sources, health impacts, and potential solutions."

"I gained a much broader understanding of air pollution, from the science to the policy implications."

"Excellent introduction to the topic, touching on outdoor and indoor pollution as well as global aspects."

"Provides a comprehensive look at how air pollution affects health globally."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Air Pollution – a Global Threat to our Health with these activities:

Watch a tutorial on how to use an air pollution monitor

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Watching a tutorial will help you learn how to use an air pollution monitor.

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Read "Air Pollution and Health" by Michael Brauer

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the health effects of air pollution.

View How Not to Age on Amazon

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Calculate your air pollution exposure

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Calculating your air pollution exposure will help you understand your risk of developing health problems.

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Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Track your air quality

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Tracking your air quality will help you understand how it affects your health.

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Create a presentation on the health effects of air pollution

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Creating a presentation will help you solidify your understanding of the health effects of air pollution.

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Volunteer for an air pollution advocacy group

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Volunteering will help you learn more about air pollution and its effects on health.

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Career center

Learners who complete Air Pollution – a Global Threat to our Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering to improve the environment, and keeping the air clean is an important part of that. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Environmental Engineers who want to design and implement effective air pollution control strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. Air pollution is a major public health concern, and Epidemiologists play a key role in understanding the health effects of air pollution and developing strategies to reduce exposure. This course provides an overview of the methods used to study the health effects of air pollution, and the results of these studies. This knowledge will be essential for Epidemiologists who want to conduct research on the health effects of air pollution.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. Air pollution is a major source of exposure to toxic chemicals, and Toxicologists play a key role in understanding the health effects of air pollution and developing strategies to reduce exposure. This course provides an overview of the methods used to study the health effects of air pollution, and the results of these studies. This knowledge will be essential for Toxicologists who want to conduct research on the health effects of air pollution.

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Public Health Policy Analyst

Public Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to improve the health of the population. Air pollution is a major public health concern, and Public Health Policy Analysts play a key role in developing and evaluating policies to reduce air pollution and protect public health. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Public Health Policy Analysts who want to develop and evaluate effective air pollution control policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Policy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans and other living organisms. Air pollution is a major environmental issue, and Environmental Scientists play a key role in understanding the causes and effects of air pollution and developing strategies to reduce air pollution. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Environmental Scientists who want to conduct research on air pollution or develop strategies to reduce air pollution.

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Air Quality Manager

Air Quality Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve air quality. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Air Quality Managers who want to develop and implement effective air pollution control strategies.

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Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists are responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers. Air pollution is a major occupational health hazard, and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists play a key role in identifying and controlling air pollution hazards in the workplace. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists who want to protect workers from the harmful effects of air pollution.

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Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and its interactions with the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. Air pollution is a major contributor to climate change, and Climate Scientists play a key role in understanding the role of air pollution in climate change and developing strategies to reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Climate Scientists who want to conduct research on the role of air pollution in climate change or develop strategies to reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to improve their environmental performance. Air pollution is a major environmental issue, and Sustainability Consultants play a key role in helping organizations to reduce their air pollution emissions. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Sustainability Consultants who want to help organizations to reduce their air pollution emissions and improve their environmental performance.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the effects of environmental factors on human health. Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard, and Environmental Health Scientists play a key role in understanding the health effects of air pollution and developing strategies to reduce exposure. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Environmental Health Scientists who want to conduct research on the health effects of air pollution or develop strategies to reduce exposure to air pollution.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law, which includes laws and regulations that protect the environment and human health from pollution. Air pollution is a major environmental issue, and Environmental Lawyers play a key role in enforcing environmental laws and regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Environmental Lawyers who want to specialize in environmental law and protect the environment and human health from air pollution.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Air pollution is a major public health concern, and Physicians play a key role in diagnosing and treating the health effects of air pollution. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Physicians who want to diagnose and treat the health effects of air pollution and improve the health of their patients.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Air pollution is a major public health concern, and Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the health effects of air pollution and providing care to patients who are affected by air pollution. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Nurses who want to provide care to patients who are affected by air pollution and improve the health of their patients.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. Air pollution is a major public health concern, and Public Health Educators play a key role in educating the public about the health effects of air pollution and promoting behaviors that reduce exposure to air pollution. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Public Health Educators who want to develop and implement educational programs to reduce exposure to air pollution and improve public health.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and plan the development of cities and towns. Air pollution is a major issue in urban areas, and Urban Planners play a key role in designing and planning cities and towns to reduce air pollution and improve public health. This course provides an overview of the sources of air pollution, the health effects of air pollution, and the methods used to control air pollution. This knowledge will be essential for Urban Planners who want to design and plan cities and towns to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

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