Stricter air pollution controls could prevent ozone-related early deaths

Ozone-related premature deaths refer to fatalities caused by prolonged exposure to harmful ground-level ozone.

Ozone is a key air pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight.

In 2018 , pollution from fine particulate matter and ozone in Southeast Asia was estimated to have caused 899,000 premature deaths.

Looking ahead, the research team intends to expand their work to explore how climate change and land-use patterns may further influence ozone pollution. These insights will also form the basis for collaboration with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international environmental organizations to design and implement sustainable air quality management strategies. More information: Tingting Fang et al, Response of ozone to current and future emission scenarios and the resultant human health impact in Southeast Asia , Environment International ( 2025 ). DOI: 10.1016 / j.envint.2025.109333 Journal information: Environment International Provided by Nanyang Technological University .