Research Tools: WHO Unveils Updated Global Database of Air Quality Standards

From the World Health Organization:

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has unveiled the updated 2025 Air Quality Standards database. This resource compiles national air quality standards for major pollutants and other airborne toxics from countries worldwide. This latest update provides an overview of global efforts towards achieving the WHO global air quality guidelines, with 17% more countries now implementing standards for pollutants that pose a risk to human health.

“The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is a crucial tool highlighting global progress in setting air quality regulations to protect public health,” says Dr Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization. “It provides essential data for evidence based policymaking, helping to reduce air pollutions impacts on communities worldwide.”

Building on previous efforts, the updated database now includes data from approximately 140 countries from all WHO regions, showcasing their air pollution regulatory efforts aimed at protecting public health.

The database is presented as an interactive tool, providing values for both the short and long-term standards for particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃) and carbon monoxide (CO). These values are based on averaging times that align with WHO’s global air quality guidelines.

Learn More, Read the Complete Announcement

Direct to Global Database of Air Quality Standards

See Also:

• WHO Air Quality Guidelines
• WHO Global Health Observatory Air Pollution Data Portal
• Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Swiss Literature Database on Air Pollution and Health

Filed under: Data Files, News