Abstract: Air pollution has a wide range of adverse impacts on public health, covering issues from respiratory and cardiovascular problems to metabolic and neurological disorders, where it is estimated to be associated with 4 million annual deaths in urban areas. However, the distribution of pollution impacts differently in those vulnerable communities, due to socio- economic inequalities and the limited availability of essential health services. Understanding the effects of pollution and the current information scenario is crucial to designing effective policies that address both environmental and social issues. This paper aims to investigate the monitoring scenario of available PM2.5 air quality data and associated disease records in the context of social inequality, discussing possible relationships due to lack of information and/or access to health services. This study focuses on Latin America, where the region’s vulnerability is exacerbated by limited access to health care and lack of information on air quality and medical records. To conduct this analysis, information on pollutants was collected, using data from reference monitors and low-cost air quality sensors from the OpenAQ database, as well as information from national registries in order to examine the evolution of the number of sensors in the region. In addition, these data were combined with measures from the Global Burden of Disease study (i.e. years of life lost due to premature mortality or YLLs; years lived with disability or YLDs; and disability-adjusted life years or DALYs), to perform a comprehensive analysis of correlations and trends. Our initial analysis indicates that in the 41% of the region where there are no air quality monitoring systems, the mortality rate is about 20% higher than in those places with monitoring, and about 35% higher than in countries where data is fully accessible. However, in those countries that do have measurement systems, sensors are limited, averaging only 0.2 sensors per 100,000 inhabitants. In this context, Belize and Puerto Rico stand out with 1.2 and 0.76 sensors per 100,000 people, respectively, both located in Central America. Meanwhile, countries such as El Salvador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela have a lower number of sensors per 100,000 inhabitants (<0.03). When observing the geographical distribution of the sensors, a predominance in South America stands out, with countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Chile, with the exception of Mexico, which have more than 70 sensors in each of the countries. However, they are small in comparison with the population of each country (Chile and Peru >0.3, Colombia ~0.2, Mexico and Brazil <0.07 sensors per 100,000 inhabitants). This situation highlights the differences in the availability and density of air quality sensors in the region. The absence of reference station monitoring is not only related to data availability, but also reflects deeper socio-economic challenges. Specifically, we observe that the burden of disease is significantly higher in less developed nations, highlighting the importance of the socio-economic dimension in understanding and addressing the health effects of air pollution. Countries with a low Social Development Index (SDI) have Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rates for ischaemic heart disease and stroke more than five times higher than high SDI countries. Likewise, nations in the lowest economic bracket have almost seven times higher DALY rates for stroke compared to those with very high incomes. These results highlight the relationship between a country’s socio-economic status and health risks linked to air pollution. However, it is essential to stress that these findings do not indicate causality, but rather provide a snapshot of the current situation. Moreover, to fully understand these differences, factors such as public health policies, economic development and socio-environmental conditions must be taken into account. In order to develop strategies to improve the overall health of the region, it is vital to consider other relevant factors. This study could serve as a starting point for further research and the formulation of more informed and effective policies in the region.

Keywords: Public health, Air Quality Data, Health risks, Monitoring Systems