A global statement for air pollution and health

Abstract

Air pollution poses a major threat to human health. It is estimated that 91% of the world’s people live in places that did not meet the air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019a). Exposure to air pollution is well-established to be associated with adverse health effects, including respiratory conditions, either exacerbating existing diseases or increasing susceptibility to respiratory and other infections (WHO, 2019b). Currently many areas in South Africa exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Priority Areas of air pollution hotspots are being managed to try to improve air quality (SA DEA, 2019).