Health at Risk: Air Pollution and Urban Vulnerability—Perspectives in Light of the 2030 Agenda

Air pollution is one of the major global environmental challenges, particularly in urban and industrial areas, where multiple sources emit pollutants that compromise air quality and threaten human health. This study aims to analyze the effects of air pollution on the health of vulnerable urban populations, emphasizing monitoring techniques for key pollutants and comparing national and international air quality standards through a literature review. It also discusses the implications of these pollutants considering the 2030 Agenda, highlighting environmental education as a strategy for pollution mitigation, public awareness, and strengthening air quality policies. A qualitative and descriptive methodology was adopted, based on national and international research publications between 2005 and 2023, using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar, with descriptors including “Air Pollution,” “Industrialization,” “Public Health,” and “Environmental Education.” The results indicate that industrial and transportation activities are the main sources of air pollution, contributing to an increase in cases of asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as negatively impacting ecosystems and the economy. Even when pollutant levels comply with legal standards, vulnerable populations experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, highlighting the need for more stringent protection policies. Comparisons between the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA) reveal significant disparities in exposure limits. The WHO and the EU, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 13, advocate for stricter limits, while EPA and CONAMA regulations remain less stringent. This gap emphasizes the importance of internationally harmonized, evidence-based, and equitable air quality policies. Combating air pollution requires an integrated approach that combines stricter regulations, continuous monitoring, emissions control strategies, and environmental education. Promoting environmental awareness among children and young people can encourage behavioral changes and civic engagement. Environmental education, along with political and social responsibility, remains a fundamental path to mitigating health impacts and promoting sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda.