GHealth News – The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has launched the updated 2025 Air Quality Standards database. This comprehensive resource consolidates national air quality standards for key pollutants and airborne toxins from countries worldwide. The latest update highlights global progress in aligning with WHO’s air quality guidelines, with a 17% increase in countries implementing standards for harmful pollutants.
“The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is an essential tool that showcases global advancements in air quality regulations aimed at safeguarding public health,” said Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at WHO. “It provides crucial data for evidence-based policymaking, helping mitigate the impact of air pollution on communities worldwide.”
Expanding Data Coverage for Better Air Quality Governance
Building upon previous versions, the database now includes information from approximately 140 countries across all WHO regions, reflecting their regulatory efforts to protect public health from air pollution.
The database is designed as an interactive tool, presenting short- and long-term air quality standards for pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). These standards are based on averaging times that align with WHO’s global air quality guidelines.
WHO Air Quality Guidelines: A Key Public Health Tool
First published in 2021, WHO’s air quality guidelines incorporate the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution. The guidelines recommend stricter air quality thresholds to protect populations, emphasizing the need for countries to adopt and enforce more rigorous policies to curb pollution-related health risks.
The health sector plays a vital role in air quality governance, advocating for public health protection through effective regulation. Engaging healthcare professionals in the development and implementation of air quality standards ensures that these measures are integrated into legislation for maximum health benefits.
Strengthening Efforts to Prevent Noncommunicable Diseases
Environmental factors contribute to a quarter of the global disease burden, with air pollution alone causing nearly seven million deaths annually. Many of these deaths are preventable through policies in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and industry. Air pollution is a recognized risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), affecting not only the respiratory and cardiovascular systems but also other organs and biological functions.
The economic burden of air pollution on healthcare systems is significant, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups such as children, whose health is affected throughout their lifetime, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
By compiling national air quality standards into a single, accessible database, WHO aims to equip policymakers, public health officials, researchers, and civil society organizations with the necessary data to track progress, inform policy decisions, and drive effective interventions to improve air quality and protect public health.
A Call for Action: Committing to Clean Air and Health
Implementing stricter air quality standards through legislation is a crucial step in combating NCDs and other health challenges. The upcoming 2nd WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health will provide a platform for countries to reaffirm their commitment to addressing air pollution, supported by the collective call from the health community for stronger clean air policies.