In a recent report released by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, it has been revealed that only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023. The World Air Quality Report, based on data collected from over 30,000 monitoring stations in 134 countries, has identified air pollution as a global health catastrophe.

The report highlights the alarming levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in the air, which can have severe health impacts when inhaled. These microscopic particles, measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter, have been linked to various diseases such as heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

Among the seven countries that met the safe guideline of five micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) or less were Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand. Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and French Polynesia also fell within safe levels. Iceland ranked highest in Europe with the cleanest air at 4µg/m3, followed by Estonia and Finland.

The report also highlighted the progress made by European countries in reducing air pollution. Several European countries, including Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Denmark, were categorized as having moderate levels of pollution, with improvements seen since the previous year's report.

However, some European countries still face significant challenges in air quality. Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, and Italy were placed in the yellow category, indicating pollution levels up to three times above the safe standards. Croatia, on the other hand, showed notable progress in lowering PM2.5 levels by over 40% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In South and Central Asia, which have been identified as having the worst air quality, Bangladesh ranked as the most polluted country, followed by Pakistan and India. These countries were home to the top ten most polluted cities in the world.

Air quality reports like the IQAir report serve as important reminders to take action in curbing pollution levels. Lack of access to air quality data in many regions, including Africa, can delay decisive action and perpetuate unnecessary human suffering. Efforts are urgently needed to manage the causes of transboundary haze and reduce reliance on combustion as an energy source.

"A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a universal human right," emphasizes Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir. He further stressed the importance of air quality data in saving lives and promoting necessary interventions. With air pollution continuing to be a global health catastrophe, the report serves as a reminder of the need for immediate solutions to combat this pressing problem.