Unveiling the hidden: air pollution monitoring and health outcomes in LatAm

Air pollution has a wide range of harmful effects on public health, ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular problems to metabolic and neurological disorders. As such, characterizing air pollutants is of utmost importance, particularly in regions where environmental injustice is a widespread problem. This study focuses on Latin America, a region where many countries face increased vulnerability due to factors such as limited access to healthcare and inadequate availability of air quality information and medical records. Using an integrative methodology, we combined data from the latest reported data (2022-2023) from reference monitors and air sensors reported in OpenAQ metrics from the Global Burden of Disease study (i.e., years of life lost due to premature mortality or YLLs; years lived with disability or YLDs; and disability‐adjusted life years or DALYs) to analyze correlations and trends. Our initial analysis reveals that countries without air quality monitoring (41% of countries in the region) exhibit an average mortality rate approximately 20% higher than countries with monitoring in place and approximately 35% higher than countries with completely open data. This disparity in monitoring is not just a matter of data availability but reflects deeper socio-economic challenges. Specifically, we found that the burden of disease is significantly higher in countries with lower development, highlighting a major socio-economic dimension in understanding and addressing the health impacts of air pollution. Countries with a low Social Development Index (SDI) showed more than a 5-fold increase in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rates for ischemic heart disease and stroke compared to high SDI countries. Furthermore, countries in the lowest economic bracket had a nearly 7-fold higher DALY rate for stroke when compared to very higher-income countries. These findings underscore the deep interconnection between a country's socioeconomic level and the health risks associated with air pollution. However, it is essential to note that these findings do not imply causality, but rather offer a snapshot of the current situation. Additionally, factors such as public health policies, economic development, and socio-environmental conditions must be considered to fully understand these differences. To develop strategies that positively impact the general health of the region, it is essential to take other relevant factors into consideration. This study could serve as a basis for more in-depth research and for the formulation of more informed and effective policies in the region. However, it is essential to note that these findings do not imply causality but rather offer a snapshot of the current situation. Additionally, factors such as public health policies, economic development, and socio-environmental conditions must be considered to fully understand these differences. To develop strategies that positively impact the general health of the region, it is essential to take other relevant factors into consideration. This study could serve as a basis for more in-depth research and for the formulation of more informed and effective policies in the region.