A proposal to strengthen public health surveillance systems on air pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Abstract

Air pollution is a major public health problem and a contributor to health inequities. It causes 300,000 attributable deaths in the Americas (41/100,000 in middle and low income countries, and 14/100,000 in high income countries). However, public health managers and health professionals do not have agency on emissions control or air quality monitoring. We will report the current status of air pollution surveillance systems in LAC, mainly based on the results of a self-assessment survey answered by technical professionals working in Ministries of health, Ministry of environment, or other relevant national institution or organization. We argue that a well-structured and reliable environmental public health system is essential to: measure the status and the progress of a country towards clean air for all based on a systematic collection, analysis and reporting of a selected set of health indicators; and provide the tools public health managers and other health professionals need to contribute in a multi-sectoral dialogue and influence air quality management and air quality policies that best could protect public health. Finally, we also comment on knowledge gaps and research needs.