A groundbreaking study conducted by Fiji National University (FNU), University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) has revealed that air pollution in both Fiji and the Solomon Islands exceeds international health guidelines, and present serious risks to public health.
The study, published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, highlights the urgent need for government action to address air quality issues in the Pacific region.
Dr. Amelia Turagabeci, Dean of FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, emphasised the severity of the findings, particularly the elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) pollution.
The report, derived from data collected from Suva between April 2021 and August 2023, found that particulate matter concentrations, including PM2.5 and PM10, significantly exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines in both urban and peri-urban areas.
In Suva, the data revealed that urban areas exceeded the PM2.5 guideline by 10%, while peri-urban regions surpassed it by 13%. Alarmingly, PM2.5 annual averages in Suva exceeded WHO limits by 2 to 4 times, indicating a chronic problem.
“These findings highlight the urgent need for governmental action to establish robust air quality standards and implement long-term monitoring programmes in Fiji and the Solomon Islands,” Dr. Turagabeci said.
“We work in close collaboration with our key stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Environment & Climate Change where we also update on our findings. Whilst the Permanent of Secretary of Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, chairs the Climate Change and Health Steering Committee, the Permanent Secretary of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, is also engaged with our project at FNU, which is funded by the Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT), a Centre jointly owned with Monash University, Australia.”
“The next phase of study will involve correlating data with disease burden, beginning with the Children’s Environmental Health component. This study phase is currently in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Climate and Respiratory Health Project.”
FNU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, highlighted the importance of the university’s role in tackling these critical issues.
“As a Pacific island nation, Fiji faces immense challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. FNU’s involvement in PACT allows us to collaborate on vital research and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to these challenges.”
Professor Nabobo-Baba also reaffirmed FNU’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly in promoting good health and well-being and fostering global partnerships to achieve environmental sustainability.
About PM2.5: PM2.5 refers to fine particulate air pollution with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, largely produced by combustion processes such as vehicle emissions, power plants, and industrial activity. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 is associated with numerous health problems, including ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and adverse birth outcomes.
This study highlights the need for continued research and the implementation of public health policies to mitigate the harmful impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations.