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General
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Last updated
July 26, 2025

Facts

These facts about air pollution present the stark reality of a global health crisis that affects virtually every aspect of human wellbeing. Key statistics reveal that air pollution contributes to millions of premature deaths annually, with costs running into trillions of dollars globally in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. The evidence shows that no population is immune, with pollutants affecting everything from pregnancy outcomes to cognitive function across the lifespan. Discover the essential facts and figures that illustrate the scope of the air pollution challenge and why urgent action is needed.
  • The World Bank estimates that health damage caused by air pollution costs the global economy 5% of GDP annually, with this figure expected to rise (ShareAction, 2025)
  • 99% of people on earth breathe air that exceeds limits set by WHO (Xingsheng Jin et al., 2024)
  • Morbidity and mortality increased on higher ambient air pollution days (Robert Dales et al., 2024)
  • Air pollution now surpasses smoking and poor diet as the leading cause of death (McKelvey, 2025)
  • 8.1 million total deaths in 2021 due to air pollution - more than ⅛ deaths worldwide (State of Global Air | 2024)
  • 6.7 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution (World Health Organization, 2023)
  • Household air pollution responsible for ~3.2 million deaths in 2020 (World Health Organization, 2023)
  • “Global air pollution-related healthcare costs are already projected to surge from USD 21 billion in 2015 to USD 176 billion in 2060, with annual lost working days potentially increasing to 2.7 billion by 2060.” (World Heart Federation, 2024)
  • 4.2 million premature deaths in 2019 due to CVD deaths linked to air pollution (European Society of Cardiology, 2024)
  • In a survey, 90% of residents want prioritised actions to improve air quality as they believe transforming stress and public spaces will help health.  Over 80% of people believe city leaders should prioritise clean air.  90% of respondents support public transport expansion and active mobility for clean air.  88% support creating or expanding clean air zones (Smart Cities World, 2024)
  • Only 7 countries met WHO’s guidelines for PM2.5 in 2024. (The Guardian, 2025)
  • PM2.5 can have health effects for up to three months after exposure (Musto, 2025)
  • 89% of people around the world want their governments to do more to combat climate change (Carrington, 2025)
    • Informing people that there is more support boosted hypothetical donations
    • More than ⅔ of the 89% said that they were willing to donate 1% of their income
    • Citizens of wealthier countries less willing to donate on average
  • From 2005-2019, global O3 concentrations increased by 6%, while PM2.5, NO₂, and FFCO₂ per capita showed little to no overall change (+0%, −1%, and +4%, respectively) (Day, 2025)
    • High-income countries saw consistent declines in all four pollutants

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