The Global Health Cost of PM 2.5 Air Pollution - A Case for Action Beyond 2021

Jul 19, 2026

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Examines the global health costs associated with PM2.5 air pollution and explains how population exposure translates into health damages. Quantifies global cost burdens and highlights where these impacts are concentrated across regions and income groups. Reviews evidence on how exposure estimates have evolved and outlines future outlooks for policy action. Concludes with practical areas for action and supporting appendixes covering annual damages, mortality and morbidity valuation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages89

Reading Time3 h 44 min

Executive Summary

CHAPTER 1 Introduction and Objectives

Context and value added of this report

CHAPTER 2 Evolution of Estimates of Population Exposure to PM2.5

Ambient PM2.5 exposure

PM2.5 Household air pollution exposure

PM2.5 Population exposure

CHAPTER 3 Risks of Health Damages from PM2.5 Exposure

Global health damages of PM2.5 exposure

Global cost of PM2.5 exposure

CHAPTER 4 Outlook and Policy Implications

Areas for action

Appendix A Annual Health Damages and Costs of PM2.5 Exposure, 2019

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized The Global Health Cost of PM 2.5 Air Pollution A Case for Action Beyond 2021 INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FOCUS The Global Health Cost of PM 2.5 Air Pollution A Case for Action Beyond 2021 © 2022 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[ ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 25 24 23 22 Books in this series are published to communicate the results of World Bank research, analysis, and operational experience with the least possible delay. The extent of language editing varies from book to book. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute, imply, or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under) the Creative Commons Attribution license, you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: World Bank. The Global Health Cost of PM2.5 Air Pollution: A Case for Action Beyond 2021. International Development in Focus. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1816-5. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO Translations—If you create a translation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an official World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author or authors of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-party content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work. The World Bank therefore does not warrant that the use of any thirdparty-owned individual component or part contained in the work will not infringe on the rights of those third parties. The risk of claims resulting from such infringement rests solely with you. If you wish to reuse a component of the work, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Examples of components can include, but are not limited to, tables, figures, or images. All queries on rights and licenses should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA;

FAQs

What health impacts and costs does the report link to PM2.5 exposure?

The report connects PM2.5 exposure to global health damages and quantifies the associated global cost burden. It also compares outcomes across regions and income groups.

How does the report describe the evolution of PM2.5 population exposure estimates?

It reviews changes in estimates for ambient PM2.5 exposure, household air pollution exposure, and overall population exposure over time, supported by references.

What policy directions does the report recommend beyond 2021?

It outlines an outlook and identifies areas for action, framing policy implications based on the distribution and magnitude of health damages and costs.

Jul 19, 2026

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