English
ItalianBreathing the Air We Share
Air quality is one of the clearest indicators of how human activity and the natural environment interact. Fine particles in the air known as PM2.5 are small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, affecting both health and wellbeing.
In cities, pollution often comes from traffic, heating, and industry. In valleys and rural areas, local factors like wood burning, wind direction, or air circulation can make a big difference. What might feel like “fresh country air” is not always as clean as expected.
By collecting data with portable sensors and combining it with satellite observations, we can see how air quality changes across space and time. This story begins with the Turano Valley, a rural area not far from Rome, to explore how the air we breathe varies between seasons, places, and even single days.
When Summer Clears the Air
Between April and September 2024, average PM2.5 levels across Rome and the Turano Valley were noticeably lower compared to the winter months. Warmer conditions reduce the need for domestic heating and create different atmospheric circulation, both of which contribute to cleaner air.
The improvement is clear on the map: Rome still records higher values than the valley, but the difference is less pronounced than in winter. This seasonal variation highlights how air quality is shaped not only by local emissions, but also by broader environmental conditions.
A journey from Rome to Turano Valley in numbers
Air quality does not only change between seasons, it can shift within a single day. On 13 May 2024, measurements recorded along a journey from Rome to the Turano Valley illustrate this variation.
The route began in Rome with relatively poor air quality, improved during parts of the trip, and remained good upon arrival in the valley. This day reflects the expected pattern: the city shows higher concentrations of fine particles, while the valley benefits from cleaner air.
On 13 May 2024, a journey from Rome to the Turano Valley began with poor conditions in the city, improved along the route, and ended with clean air in the valley. This pattern matches the general expectation: urban areas are more polluted than rural surroundings.
But on 30 March 2024, a similar trip told a very different story. That day, the air in Rome was extremely poor, yet the valley recorded even worse values once the traveller arrived. Factors such as unusual weather conditions, local events, or industrial emissions can temporarily overturn the usual patterns.
Together, these two days highlight how fragile and variable air quality can be, even within short timeframes and familiar places.
Air Quality inside vs outside
The map compares Atmotube readings inside and outside a hospital. Values fluctuate: what feels like clean air outdoors can show worse indexes, while indoor sensors sometimes record cleaner air than expected.
How green areas help city to improve air quality
This map shows Atmotube air-quality readings from the botanic garden and other parts of the city. The values vary from place to place, suggesting that green areas like the garden can buffer pollution and support cleaner air.
Want to dig deeper into air quality benchmarks? See European Air Quality Index (EAQI) and WHO - Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health.
