World Environmental Health Day highlights global health risks

World Environmental Health Day is observed annually on September 26 to raise awareness regarding the link between environmental conditions and human well-being. The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) established the day in 2011 during a meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 24% of global deaths—roughly 13.7 million people annually—are linked to environmental factors. Environmental health focuses on preventing illness by evaluating and limiting exposure to hazardous physical, chemical, and biological agents in air, water, soil, and food.

In Southeast Asia, the observance highlights the urgent need for clean air, safe water, and climate resilience. Rapid economic growth in the region has often outpaced pollution controls and wastewater systems, leading to increased rates of asthma, heat stress, and waterborne illnesses. Air pollution is a significant concern; UNICEF reports that in East Asia and the Pacific, pollution is associated with over 100 daily deaths among children under five. In Thailand, approximately 10 million people sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses in 2023.