Trends in Air Quality and Health Impacts: Insights from Central, South, and Southeast Asia

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for poor health in Central, South and Southeast Asia. Residents across the three regions are routinely exposed to levels of air pollution above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization, yet there is limited funding to improve air quality across the regions. This State of Global Air 2024 report covers 23 countries in Asia and highlights key data and trends for each region.

This report presents information on exposures to and health impacts of fine particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide from 1990 to 2021 for three Asian regions: South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. The report draws upon the best available air quality data, estimates of health risks, and demographic data to produce globally comparable country-level data on air quality trends and the health impacts of air pollution.