Table 1
Recommendations and opportunities for future studies in the field of air quality.
| AREA | RECOMMENDATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|
| Indoor air pollution | Further research on the factors influencing IAQ and their impacts on health. |
| Promote natural ventilation in building design to improve IAQ with focus on green building. | |
| Address the lack of access to clean fuels for cooking and heating in low-income and some regions of high-income countries. | |
| Implement government policies to phase out the use of dirty solid fuels for energy sources in homes, especially in LMICs. | |
| Research on the development and implementation of policies to address air pollution resulting from changing energy structures in urbanising regions and their effectiveness in mitigating health and environmental impacts. | |
| Strengthen controls and regulations for indoor smoking and e-cigarettes to reduce second- and third-hand smoke exposure. | |
| Investigate and address non-combustion sources and emerging contaminants, such as liquid crystal monomers, through systematic control strategies and further research. | |
| Climate change and air pollution | Explore how projected changes in pollutants will affect current strategies to ensure pollutant remains below regulatory limits and whether new strategies are required, especially for ozone and particulate matter. |
| Increase public awareness regarding the health risks associated with air pollution and climate change through strategies such as web apps, which allow targeted and individual recommendations. | |
| Formulate policies to mitigate both air pollution and climate change, recognizing their interconnectedness and potential health consequences. | |
| Encourage the adoption of EV to reduce traffic-related air pollution while addressing associated risks and ensuring safety measures. | |
| Invest in public transport for emission reduction goals with broader health benefits. | |
| Conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses of proposed emission reduction strategies, considering both health and monetary savings. | |
| Enhance health education efforts, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, to address the health impact of prolonged exposure to air pollution and climate change. | |
| Air pollution and children’s health | Research is needed to comprehensively understand the biological effects and genetic risk associated with air pollution. |
| More research is needed into improving home environments due to children’s reduced time spent outdoors and the potential for higher pollutant levels indoors. | |
| Strengthen regulations around smoking near children to safeguard their health and well-being. | |
| Consider children as central in climate change response, focusing on vulnerabilities, adaptive strategies, and policy for more inclusive and sustainable future. | |
| Research to investigate the link between air pollution and the exacerbation of asthma in children, looking at different sources of particulate matter to provide valuable insights of asthma management and prevention. | |
| More research on intersection of major health issue in children and air pollution. | |
| Research and advocacy for continued ventilation improvements in schools for safe school environment. |