The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The new website address is www.phfscience.nz. Visitors will automatically be redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks after this change.

Factsheet on WHO AQG - Health Effects of Air Pollution

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

Air pollution is a major hazard to human health and a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. After reviewing the best available scientific knowledge, in September 2021 the World Health Organisation (WHO) published revised recommendations for air quality levels to protect human health (WHO 2021). Informed by epidemiological evidence, the new guidelines are significantly lower than previous guidelines (WHO 2006).

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