Report finds extreme ozone exposure affected one-third globally
The global population exposed to extremely poor ozone air quality was 34%.
A European Union analysis found that 34% of the global population experienced extremely poor ozone air quality between January 1 and September 15, 2026. Heatwaves, wildfires and human-caused emissions contributed to the pollution.
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- 34%
The global population exposed to extremely poor ozone air quality was 34%.
“34 percent of the global population was exposed to "extremely poor" air quality”
- 17%
The global population exposed to very poor ozone air quality was 17%.
“Another 17 percent of the world breathed "very poor" air”
- 5%
The global population exposed to good ozone levels was 5%.
“five percent was exposed to "good" levels of ozone”
- 53%
The Asian population exposed to extremely poor ozone air quality was 53%.
“Asia has the highest rate of exposure to ozone pollution, with 53 percent of its population breathing "extremely poor" air”
- 22%
The Asian population exposed to very poor ozone air quality was 22%.
“Another 22 percent was exposed to "very poor" ozone”
- 66.67%
The North American population exposed to poor or very poor air quality was about 66.7%.
“Two thirds of the population in North America ... were exposed to "poor" or "very poor" air quality”
- 45%
The European population exposed to poor or very poor air quality was 45%.
“45 percent in Europe were exposed to "poor" or "very poor" air quality”
- 60,000people
AllegedOzone pollution was linked to 60000 premature deaths per year in Europe, according to Ian Marnane.
“Ozone pollution is linked to 60,000 premature deaths per year in Europe”
- 8%
The African population exposed to extremely poor air quality was 8%.
“Eight percent of Africa's population endured "extremely poor" air quality this year”
- 66%
The Oceanian population exposed to good ozone levels was 66%.
“66 percent of the population enjoyed "good" ozone levels”