In “Something in the Air,” PBS America crafts a poignant narrative that sheds light on the elusive nemesis of our times — air pollution. The documentary, now available on YouTube, offers a searing examination of the complexities surrounding the global air quality crisis.
From the outset, the film challenges our assumptions about air pollution. The haunting premise that ‘what you can’t see might be the most detrimental’ runs throughout the narrative, emphasizing that even locations we often associate with cleanliness and safety are not exempt.
The documentary boasts a wide-ranging geographical narrative. India’s depiction is especially heartrending. Vivid descriptions of smog-blanketed cities, children with irreversible lung damage, and comparisons of breathing the air to chain-smoking serve as visceral reminders of the issue’s urgency.
The film delves into countries like Canada, renowned for their pristine environments. The discovery that such places are also battlegrounds against invisible pollutants is both surprising and unsettling. Dr. Greg Evans’ research sheds light on the insidious nature of these unseen particles and the profound effects they can have on our health.
Marianne Hatzopolo’s exploration of the ‘urban canyon effect’ offers viewers a unique perspective on the relationship between modern architecture and pollution.
Perhaps the most alarming revelation is the broad spectrum of health effects associated with pollution, ranging from DNA mutations to a surprising link between pollution and dementia.
Incorporating the University of Southern California’s Children’s Health Study was a brilliant move, ensuring the message resonates with younger audiences. It provides a sobering glimpse into the future, highlighting that the pollutants today’s youth encounter can affect them even before birth.
While spotlighting citizen-driven initiatives and grassroots movements, the documentary portrays proactive global communities rallying together for change.
“Something in the Air” is a must-watch. It presents a compelling mix of research, human stories, and a call to action. The documentary’s core message urges us to reevaluate our relationship with the very air we breathe. This film stands as both a cautionary tale and a resounding call for change.