More pressingly, the burden of air pollution is not shared equally.
- Communities in poorer regions suffer disproportionately.
- Young children and older adults account for the majority of deaths.
- Inequalities in exposure, combined with socioeconomic disparities, exacerbate vulnerability.
In 2021 alone, exposure to air pollution led to over **3 million deaths** in these regions—a staggering figure that highlights the scale of this crisis.
Despite its severe health and economic impacts, funding to address this issue remains woefully inadequate. Only **1% of international development funding** is allocated to improving outdoor air quality.
**Air Pollution: A Silent Epidemic in Asia**
Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for poor health in Asia. Across the region, millions are routinely exposed to air pollution levels far exceeding World Health Organization guidelines.
www.stateofglobalair.org/resources/re...