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

This study explores the effects of industrialization and air pollution on public health, emphasizing disparities between national and international air quality standards. A qualitative, descriptive methodology was adopted through a bibliographic review of national and international literature published between 2005 and 2023, using data-bases such as LILACS and PubMed. Findings indicate that even in areas where pollu-tant levels meet legal thresholds, vulnerable populations still experience increased morbidity and mortality. The study compares air quality standards from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Brazil’s National Environmental Council (CONAMA), revealing significant differences. The WHO, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 13, recommends stricter limits to better protect human health, while national regulations remain more lenient. The research also addresses the importance of continuous envi-ronmental monitoring, emission control strategies, and the implementation of educa-tional and policy actions. Finally, it underscores the need for individual, collective, and institutional responsibility in promoting environmental preservation, in line with the 2030 Agenda.