Call to Action for a Sustainable Air Pollution-Free World

Air pollution, caused by vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, natural disasters, and domestic fuel consumption, remains a global concern. Major pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, dioxins, PCBs, trace metals (e.g., lead, mercury), PAHs, volatile and semivolatile organic compounds, and others contribute to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases as well as cancers and endocrine disruptions. This chapter is a call to action to urgently address the impacts of air pollution and air pollutants. While international efforts have reduced air pollution-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), disparities persist, particularly in low- and low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI) regions. Public health strategies, including regulatory measures such as air quality monitoring and emission standards, community engagement through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, economic interventions like pollution taxes and clean technology subsidies are crucial. Achieving sustainable clean air requires technology innovation, stringent regulations, community involvement, financial incentives, and international cooperation. These efforts are essential to control air pollution effectively and advance toward a sustainable, pollution-free society globally.