Public health, environmental and social determinants of health (PHE)

Public health policy for outdoor air quality

How can local government agencies use the information in the database to improve urban outdoor air quality?

Solutions to outdoor air pollution problems in a city will differ depending on the relative contribution of pollution sources, its stage of development, as well as its local geography (e.g. elevation, topography). The most powerful way that the information from the WHO database can be used is for a city to monitor its own trends in air pollution over time, so as to identify, improve and scale-up effective interventions.

The database also serves as a useful tool for cities to learn from each other. The database can stimulate the exchange of information and of lessons learned in different cities. This information can be synthesized and disseminated by WHO, allowing countries to focus their actions on the most efficient way to prevent, or reduce the health risks from exposure to these pollutants.