Low- and middle-income countries face the heaviest burden from air pollution. Among these countries is the world’s most populous one – India, which is grappling with serious threats from air pollution and climate change. 

Most chronic respiratory diseases, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, should be rare since they are largely preventable. However, inadequate control of tobacco and air pollution means they continue to be a highly prevalent global health burden. Learn more about the most common chronic respiratory diseases and the ways to prevent them.

Air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk, with over 90% of the global population living with unsafe levels of air pollution. It is estimated to cause at least 7 million deaths every year worldwide, with some estimates ranging much higher, and 80% of these deaths are due to NCDs.