This indicator measures progress toward reducing the number of avoidable deaths attributed to air pollution in the Americas. It is a composite indicator, as it measures deaths caused by the use of polluting fuels in the household for cooking, heating, and lighting, as well as deaths caused by ambient air pollution. 

In 2023, PASB advanced work to establish a revised baseline and reporting mechanism for this indicator. A new source of data that would allow for longitudinal data analysis is undergoing validation. Preliminary regional results indicate a reduction in air pollution and the use of polluting household energy sources in the Region. Data for the years 2021 and 2022 are expected to become available during the course of 2024. While the 2025 target for this indicator may be achieved in the Region—reducing the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution in the Americas from 36.27 to 34.45 deaths per 100 000 population—individual countries will need to work toward meeting targets at the national level. 

Recommendations 

• Implement the Elimination Initiative on Polluting Fuels for Cooking and Heating to accelerate a regional clean household energy transition. 

• Update air quality targets at national and subnational levels. 

• Implement actions to achieve satisfactory ambient air pollution levels based on 2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines. 

• Increase investment in air quality monitoring networks to track the progress of actions to abate air pollution.