Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills approximately seven million people worldwide annually, with 99% of the global population exposed to air pollution levels that increase their risk of developing various diseases. To address this challenge, the WHO plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on air pollution levels, providing technical support to member states, and developing strategies to raise awareness about the risks associated with air pollution. Additionally, the WHO collaborates with other UN agencies and non-state actors to implement effective policies and interventions. Various tools and resources, such as the Air Quality Index and the Air Pollutant Report, are also utilized to assess and communicate air pollution levels and their potential health impacts. These collective efforts aim to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and protect public health on a global scale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution globally in 2021 | 8.1 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution in the U.S. in 2019 | 48,000 |
| Percentage of cancer cases in Europe caused by exposure to pollution | 10% |
| Number of cities in the WHO's ambient air quality database | 4300 |
| Number of countries in the WHO's ambient air quality database | 108 |
| Number of cities in Africa in the database in 2018 | 8 |
| Number of cities in the database in 2018 | More than 4300 |
| Number of countries in the database in 2018 | 108 |
| Number of women provided with free LPG connections by India's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme | 37 million |
| Year WHO issued the first-ever health-based guidelines on clean fuels and technologies for household cooking, heating and lighting | 2014 |
| Year of the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health | 2018 |
| Year of the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health | 2025 |
| Number of people who breathe air containing high levels of pollutants | 9 out of 10 |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution globally | 7 million |
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What You'll Learn
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises air pollution as a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- WHO provides technical support to member states, offering advice on health issues related to air pollution and its sources?
- WHO monitors and reports on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at national, regional and global levels?
- WHO has developed and implemented a strategy to raise awareness of the risks of air pollution and available solutions that can be implemented to mitigate exposure?
- Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk in Europe, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises air pollution as a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with an estimated 8.1 million deaths attributed to it worldwide in 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) is at the forefront of efforts to address this crisis. WHO recognises air pollution as a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with far-reaching health implications.
The organisation has developed a comprehensive ambient air quality database, which includes data from over 4300 cities in 108 countries. This database, which is the most extensive of its kind, collects annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). These fine particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, pose significant risks to human health. They can remain in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risks for various NCDs. According to WHO data, these pollutants are responsible for 24% of adult deaths from heart disease, 25% from stroke, 43% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 29% from lung cancer.
WHO actively monitors and reports on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional, and global levels. They provide technical support to member states, offering guidance, tools, and authoritative advice on health issues related to air pollution. WHO also works closely with governments and partners to improve air quality and combat climate change. For instance, in 2018, WHO convened the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Furthermore, WHO has implemented strategies to raise awareness about the risks of air pollution and promote solutions. Through digital outreach and partnerships, they have engaged with various stakeholders, including health and environment ministries, city governments, and sectors with significant emissions. WHO's efforts have led to increased commitments from governments and sectors like transport, housing, and energy to monitor and reduce air pollution.
Despite these efforts, air pollution levels remain dangerously high in most parts of the world. However, there is some positive progress, with countries like India and Mexico taking significant steps to reduce air pollution from particulate matter and improve household energy use. While the problem is far from solved, WHO's recognition of air pollution as a critical risk factor for NCDs has galvanised global attention and action towards mitigating this crisis.
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WHO provides technical support to member states, offering advice on health issues related to air pollution and its sources
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides technical support to its member states, offering advice and guidance on health issues related to air pollution and its sources. WHO recognizes that air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature death. It is estimated that air pollution kills 7 to 8.1 million people worldwide annually, with 9 out of 10 people breathing air containing high levels of pollutants. In 2019, air pollution was the largest environmental risk to health globally, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and contributing to premature deaths.
WHO supports member states by offering authoritative advice and resources to tackle air pollution. The organization has developed the WHO Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) model, which assists policymakers and program planners in understanding household air pollution levels. The APHT toolkit for health workers is another resource that provides training materials on air pollution and health topics. WHO also offers normative guidance and tools to member states, helping them develop strategies to raise awareness about the risks of air pollution and implement solutions to mitigate exposure.
WHO monitors and reports on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional, and global levels. The organization has developed an extensive ambient air quality database, which collects data on fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations. This database includes information from over 4300 cities in 108 countries, making it the world's most comprehensive database on ambient air pollution. The data is sourced from official government reporting, organizations like Clean Air Asia, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
WHO also works with countries to improve air quality and address climate change. Through digital outreach and partnerships, WHO helps raise awareness about the value of addressing air pollution for health and the environment. The organization provides support to various stakeholders, including governments, ministries, and sectors with significant emissions, to take action and reduce air pollution.
Overall, WHO plays a crucial role in providing technical support and advice to its member states on health issues related to air pollution. The organization offers a range of resources, guidance, and tools to help countries understand, monitor, and address the health impacts of air pollution, with the ultimate goal of improving air quality and protecting public health.
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WHO monitors and reports on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at national, regional and global levels
Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. It arises from various sources, including household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires, leading to the release of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Recognizing the urgency of addressing air pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in monitoring and reporting on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to combat this issue.
At the core of WHO's efforts is its Air Quality and Health Unit, which operates across three critical areas: knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress; institutional capacity building and technical support; and leadership and coordination. This unit provides invaluable technical support to WHO Member States, empowering them to develop effective policies and guidelines to tackle air pollution. WHO also offers a comprehensive set of training materials, known as the APHT toolkit, which equips health workers with the knowledge and tools to address the health implications of air pollution.
WHO's monitoring and reporting activities encompass national, regional, and global scales. They track exposure levels and health impacts, including deaths and disease burdens, caused by both ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. These estimates are vital for official reporting mechanisms, such as the World Health Statistics and the Sustainable Development Goals. WHO's data reveals alarming statistics, indicating that almost 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds the organization's recommended guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest levels of exposure.
To address this global crisis, WHO has developed and implemented awareness-raising strategies, emphasizing the risks of air pollution and proposing viable solutions. Through digital outreach and partnerships, WHO collaborates with various stakeholders, including health and environment ministries, city governments, and sectors with significant emissions, to enrich the value proposition of tackling air pollution. Additionally, WHO provides guidance on clean household energy, promoting improvements in transport, energy efficiency, power generation, and waste management to reduce outdoor air pollution.
The organization also offers the WHO Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) model, a valuable tool that assists policymakers and program planners in understanding household air pollution levels and formulating effective strategies to mitigate them. Furthermore, WHO's Air Quality, Energy, and Health Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) provide concise overviews of current knowledge and evidence, informing decision-making processes related to air quality, energy, and health.
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WHO has developed and implemented a strategy to raise awareness of the risks of air pollution and available solutions that can be implemented to mitigate exposure
Air pollution is a critical global risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and is responsible for an estimated 8.1 million deaths worldwide each year, including in children under five. It is the fourth leading risk factor for early death, causing heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, pneumonia, and asthma. In 2019, it was reported that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the severity of this issue and has developed and implemented a strategy to raise awareness of the risks of air pollution and available solutions that can be implemented to mitigate exposure. WHO monitors and reports on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional, and global levels. This includes monitoring exposure levels and health impacts, such as deaths and reduced life expectancy, through its Air Pollution Data Portal, which contains Burden of Disease statistics, air quality databases, and modelled exposure estimates.
WHO also provides technical support to its member states, offering advice and guidance on health issues related to air pollution. It has developed tools such as the APHT toolkit for health workers, which provides training materials on air pollution and health topics, and the Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) model, which helps policymakers understand household air pollution levels. Additionally, through digital outreach and partnerships, WHO has worked with various stakeholders, including city governments, to enrich the value proposition of addressing air pollution.
Furthermore, WHO has convened global conferences, such as the Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, to bring governments and partners together to improve air quality and combat climate change. WHO's ambient air quality database includes data from over 4300 cities in 108 countries, making it the world's most comprehensive database on ambient air pollution. This database collects data on fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which poses significant risks to human health.
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Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk in Europe, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Air pollution is a critical global health risk factor, causing an estimated seven million deaths per year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the leading environmental health risk in Europe, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, reducing quality of life, and leading to premature deaths.
In Europe, air pollution is responsible for causing and exacerbating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, resulting in a loss of healthy years of life. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report highlights that exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke, radon, ultraviolet radiation, asbestos, certain chemicals, and other pollutants causes over 10% of all cancer cases in Europe. The report also reveals that air pollution levels often exceed EU air quality standards and WHO guidelines, indicating a need for improved air quality in Europe.
WHO plays a crucial role in monitoring and addressing air pollution globally. They provide technical support to member states, offering guidance, tools, and advice on health issues related to air pollution. WHO also works with countries to monitor air pollution levels and improve air quality. Their Air Quality, Energy, and Health Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) provide concise information on the current knowledge and evidence regarding air pollution and health.
The State of Global Air Report, produced in collaboration with UNICEF, further emphasizes the severe health impacts of air pollution. It reveals that air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including for children under five. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are among the pollutants with far-reaching health implications.
Addressing air pollution is essential to protect public health and improve quality of life, especially for vulnerable populations. Reducing air pollution can be achieved through various measures, such as adopting cleaner energy sources, improving vehicle emissions standards, and implementing regulations to limit particulate pollution. By taking action against air pollution, significant health benefits can be attained, including reduced premature deaths, asthma attacks, and respiratory symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors and reports on air pollution and its health impacts at the national, regional, and global levels.
WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. In 2019, air pollution was the largest environmental risk to health, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and reducing quality of life. It is now the fourth-leading risk factor for early death globally.
The primary source of data for the WHO reports is official reporting from governments. Other sources include Clean Air Asia, the European Environment Agency, ground measurements for the Global Burden of Disease project, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
The WHO has developed and implemented strategies to raise awareness about the risks of air pollution and available solutions. They provide technical support to member states and offer guidance, tools, and advice on health issues related to air pollution. The WHO also works with countries to monitor air pollution and improve air quality.
