9M Lives Saved By Meeting Air Quality Targets

Countries could save 9 million lives a year by meeting air quality targets they are missing, according to a new report. The report found that cutting fine particulate matter levels could prevent an estimated 9.4 million deaths in a single year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its air quality guidelines in 2021, setting stricter recommended maximum annual levels for several pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), reducing the limit from 10 to 5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³). However, the average annual PM2.5 concentration across 136 countries included in the study was 30.44 μg/m³, more than six times the WHO's recommended limit.

Meeting the recommended PM2.5 levels could result in significant health benefits, including 2.8 million fewer cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels could prevent or postpone around 1.1 million deaths. The WHO reduced the recommended limit for NO2 from 40 to 10 μg/m³ in its 2021 air quality guidelines update.

## Why it matters The benefits of cutting these two air pollutants would be greatest in low- and middle-income countries, which currently bear the heaviest burden. Air quality in these nations has generally worsened alongside large-scale urbanisation, economic development and the growing use of cars and other motor vehicles. Cleaner air could bring far-reaching benefits, from easing pressure on health systems to boosting productivity and economic growth.

The report was published on 10 November, during the COP31 in Türkiye, where world leaders are discussing the health impact of climate change. The findings highlight the need for countries to take urgent action to improve air quality and meet the WHO's recommended targets.

## What happens next As world leaders continue to discuss the health impact of climate change, the report's findings are likely to inform policy decisions and encourage countries to take action to reduce air pollution. With the potential to save millions of lives, the importance of meeting air quality targets cannot be overstated.