Air pollution is the leading environmental determinant of health and is responsible for at least 7 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of these deaths result from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Common sources of air pollution include household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires, which release harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

With 99% of the world’s population breathing air that exceeds safe levels of pollution, this environmental threat poses a risk to everyone, with vulnerable groups—such as children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, and those in low-income communities—being disproportionately affected, especially those living or working in highly polluted areas. Pharmacists play a vital role in mitigating these health impacts through patient education, disease prevention, and advocacy for cleaner environments, helping to reduce exposure risks and supporting public health efforts to address this global challenge.