Air Pollution Study Links Higher Concern and Protective Actions to Lower Public Knowledge in Most Polluted Nations

An international survey of more than 10,600 adults across the ten most populous countries found that people living in areas with higher PM2.5 exposure are more worried about air‑pollution health risks and use protective behaviours such as avoiding outdoor activity, yet they score lower on knowledge of air‑quality issues. Women reported greater awareness and protective actions, while rural residents and smokers showed the weakest knowledge and risk perception.

Bangladesh recorded the highest average PM2.5 levels in the study, followed by India and Pakistan, whereas the United States had the lowest among the sampled nations. A separate analysis of the global burden of air‑pollution mortality shows that of the estimated 7.9 million deaths in 2023, more than 90 % occurred in low‑ and lower‑middle‑income countries. High‑income nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also experience very high PM2.5 concentrations, while countries like Kenya, India and Nigeria face considerable exposure to both PM2.5 and NO₂. The reports highlight stark inequities in health impacts and call for targeted education campaigns and policy measures to improve public understanding and reduce emissions.