About this course: 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.
Who is this class for: The course is an introductory course for anyone interested in knowing more about air pollution and health.
Taught by: Steffen Loft, Head of Department
Department of Public Health
Taught by: Peter Møller, Professor
Department of Public Health
Taught by: Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Associate Professor
Department of Public Health
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 3 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
- Reading: UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Video: Peter Møller: Sources and Composition of Air Pollution
- Reading: Want to know more? Air pollution sources
- Discussion Prompt: Delhi – Sources and Solutions
- Video: Peter Moller: What Happens in the Lungs?
- Reading: Want to know more? Counseling patients using the Air Quality Health Index
- Video: Peter Moller: What Happens in the Rest of the Body?
- Reading: Want to know more? Emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk
- Video: Zorana J. Andersen: Vulnerable Groups
- Video: Zorana J. Andersen: The Global Burden
- Discussion Prompt: What is the burden of air pollution in your country?
- Video: Steffen Loft: What Can We Do about Outdoor Air Pollution?
- Reading: WHO: Urban Health
- Discussion Prompt: What to do in your city?
- Reading: WHO: Indoor Air Pollution
- Video: Steffen Loft: Tight Buildings
- Reading: EPA: Fundamentals of Indoor Air Quality in Buildings
- Discussion Prompt: What can you do to improve the air quality in your home?
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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The assignments regard very practical issues and have very insightful questions. A good start point to have a geenral overview or outdoor and indoor air pollution.
basic knowledge,should have included more preventive measures.
Excellent and to the point material. Lecturers are very knowledgeable and understand the concepts very well. The course is designed to teach the basics and also issues related to air pollution which are current and relevant internationally.
I enjoyed this course, informative and comprehensive!