Toward Better and Healthier Air Quality Implementation of WHO 2021 Global Air Quality Guidelines in Asia

Air pollution is estimated to contribute to approximately 7 million premature deaths, of which around 4.5 million deaths are linked to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. The deaths attributed to air pollution rank the highest in the Asian region, and thus, the implementation of the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released on 22 September 2021 will generate the greatest health benefits in the Asian region. Here we present some key messages and recommendations at national, regional, and global levels to promote the strategies for implementation of the ambitious WHO 2021 AQGs in the Asian region.

Automated summary

Air pollution is estimated to contribute to approximately 7 million premature deaths, with around 4.5 million deaths linked to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Implementing the stricter WHO 2021 AQGs in the Asian region is expected to generate the greatest health benefits, as deaths attributed to air pollution rank the highest in this region. Key messages and recommendations have been presented to promote the strategies for implementation at national, regional, and global levels in Asia.