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Detector for Air Quality
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Air quality database: Update 2022

This database was release in April 2022 (5th edition) and the years of measurement range mostly from 2010 to 2019.

The WHO air quality database compiles data on ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter of a diameter equal or smaller than 10 μm (PM10) or equal or smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) which aim at representing an average for the city or town as a whole, rather than for individual stations. Both groups of pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.

The 2022 update (Fifth Version) database was released in April 2022 and hosts data on air quality for over 600 human settlements in more than 100 countries.

The data compiled in this database is used as input to derive the Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 11.6.2, Air quality in cities, for which WHO is custodial agency.

Data sources

The primary sources of data were official reports of countries sent to WHO upon request, official national and subnational reports and national and subnational websites that contain measurements of PM10 or PM2.5 and ground measurements compiled in the framework of the Global Burden of Disease project. For NO2, ground measurements compiled for research by Larkin et al. in 2017 were obtained. Measurements reported by the following regional networks were also used: Clean Air for Asia, the Air quality e-reporting database of the European Environment Agency for Europe and the AirNow Programme from the United States embassies and consulates. If such official data were not available, values from UN Agencies, Development agencies and peer-reviewed journals were used. 

Report - WHO Air Quality Database (Update 2022)

Excel Version - WHO Air Quality Database (Update 2022)

Ambient Air Quality Database Application

The WHO global ambient air quality database is continuously being updated. If you are an official air quality data provider at either the country or city level, please use this template to submit the data to WHO.

Data template for the WHO air quality database 2022

PM10, PM2.5, NO2 Annual Means & Data Accessibility

AQ Database_PM2.5_NO2
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Related indicator

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Table
Indicator name:
Air pollution: concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), SDG 11.6.2
Short name:
Annual mean PM2.5 concentration
Data type:
Statistic
Indicator Id:
4674
Topic:
Risk factors
ISO Health Indicators Framework
Environmental factors
Rationale:
Air pollution consists of many pollutants, among other particulate matter. These particles are able to penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract and therefore constitute a risk for health by increasing mortality from respiratory infections and diseases, lung cancer, and selected cardiovascular diseases. Mean annual concentration of fine suspended particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameters (PM2.5) is a common measure of air pollution. The mean (population-weighted average) annual concentration of PM2.5 in urban areas has been chosen as the SDG indicator 11.6.2.
Definition:
The mean (population-weighted average) annual concentration of fine suspended particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameters, expressed in micrograms per cubic meter [migrograms/m3]. For SDG indicator 11.6.2: The mean (population-weighted average) annual concentration of fine suspended particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameters, specifically in urban areas.
Disaggregation:
The PM2.5 concentrations are geographically classified according to the 2021 UNSD Degree of Urbanization classification: cities, towns and rural areas. Data is also provided for urban (aggregation of cities and towns) and all (aggregation of cities, towns and rural) areas.
Method of measurement
Concentration of PM2.5 are regularly measured from fixed-site, population-oriented monitors. High-quality measurements of PM concentration from all the monitors can be averaged to develop a single estimate. Concentration of PM2.5 are regularly measured from fixed-site,  population-oriented monitors located within the metropolitan areas. High-quality measurements of PM concentration from all the monitors in the metropolitan area can be averaged to develop a single estimate.  
Method of estimation:
Although PM is measured at many thousands of locations throughout the world, the amount of monitors in different geographical areas vary, with some areas having little or no monitoring. In order to produce global estimates at high resolution (0.1◦ grid‐cells), additional data is required. Annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is estimated with improved modelling using data integration from satellite remote sensing, population estimates, topography and ground measurements.
Method of estimation of global and regional aggregates:
The regional and global aggregates are population -weighted figures of the national estimates. Cagg=SUM (Cnat * Pnat)/ SUM (Pnat) where Cagg is the regional/global estimate, Cnat is the national estimate, Pnat is the country population. The sum is done over the countries in the region (regional aggregate) or all countries (global aggregate).
Preferred data sources:
Special studies
Unit of Measure:
Micrograms per cubic meter [micrograms/m3]
Expected frequency of data dissemination:
Every 2-3 years
Expected frequency of data collection:
Every 2-3 years
Comments:
Sources of data include ground measurements from monitoring networks, collected for 6,000 cities and localities (WHO 2022) around the world, satellite remote sensing, population estimates, topography, information on local monitoring networks and measures of specific contributors of air pollution (WHO, 2022)
Contact person email:
bonjourso@who.int
Name:
Sophie Gumy
Limitations:
Urban/rural data: while the data quality available for urban/rural population is generally good for high-income countries, it can be relatively poor for some low- and middle income areas. Furthermore, the definition of urban/rural may greatly vary by country.
Links:
Data Integration Model for Air Quality: A Hierarchical Approach to the Global Estimation of Exposures to Ambient Air Pollution
Ambient air pollution: a global assessment of exposure and burden of disease
WHO Air quality Database 2022
Air quality database
Indicator Metadata Registry List
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) SDG Indicator 11.6.2 Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Contact information for general inquiries: aqh_who@who.int