Air pollution causes over 800,000 deaths and tens of millions of respiratory and other illnesses each year. It damages ecosystems and affects quality of life, reducing economic activity and further reinforcing the cycle of poverty in many areas of the world.

Air pollution does not respect national boundaries. Many pollutants are transported long distances from one country or one hemisphere to another. Some pollutants are even transported at global scale. Solutions require co-operation at all levels - from the local to the global. And these solutions must reflect the linkages between air pollution and other social, economic and environmental issues, as well.

IUAPPA brings together governmental and non-governmental organisations from throughout the world to share scientific and technical information to help develop more effective air pollution control policies.

In pursuit of its objectives IUAPPA promotes the World Clean Air Congress and regional meetings, acts to promote technical and policy development in key areas such as the air quality impact of transport in cities, and leads international initiatives - such as the Global Atmospheric Pollution Forum.

IUAPPA is working in conjunction with the Global Forum on a series of initiatives to highlight co-benefits opportunities for controlling air pollution and greenhouse gases.