BOSTON, Oct. 23, 2025 — The sixth edition of the State of Global Air (SoGA) report, published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) in collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the NCD Alliance, reveals that air pollution remains the leading environmental risk factor for global mortality, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and intensifying the burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Key Findings from SoGA 2025
- In 2023, air pollution was responsible for 7.9 million deaths worldwide.
- 86% of these deaths (6.8 million) were linked to noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions State of Global Air Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
- Air pollution also contributed to 232 million healthy years of life lost, a metric known as DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years).
- For the first time, the report quantified the impact of air pollution on dementia, attributing over 600,000 deaths and nearly 12 million years of healthy life lost to air pollution-related cognitive decline Firstpost Business Standard.
Disproportionate Impact on LMICs
The report highlights that low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the greatest burden, with higher exposure levels and limited access to healthcare. Regions such as South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia face elevated risks due to urban congestion, industrial emissions, and reliance on solid fuels Nepali Times The Daily Star.
Scientific and Policy Implications
Dr. Michael Brauer, Affiliate Professor at IHME and a lead contributor to the report, emphasized that “air pollution is not just a respiratory issue—it’s a systemic threat to global health.”
The inclusion of dementia data marks a significant expansion in understanding how fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) affect neurological health, reinforcing calls for cross-sectoral interventions that address both environmental and public health priorities.
Call to Action
Experts urge governments and international bodies to:
- Strengthen air quality standards and enforcement mechanisms.
- Invest in clean energy and transportation infrastructure.
- Expand public awareness campaigns on indoor and outdoor pollution risks.
- Integrate air pollution mitigation into NCD prevention strategies.
Summary: The State of Global Air 2025 report reveals that 86% of air pollution-related deaths in 2023 were due to noncommunicable diseases, with over 600,000 dementia deaths newly linked to polluted air. The findings call for urgent global action to reduce exposure and protect public health.
Sources:
FirstpostFirstpost – Air Pollution and Dementia
Nepali TimesNepali Times – Regional Impact
The Daily StarThe Daily Star – Bangladesh Data
State of Global AirState of Global Air – Official Report
Institute for Health Metrics and EvaluationIHME – Report Highlights
Business StandardBusiness Standard – Dementia Findings
NCD AllianceNCD Alliance – Report Summary
