Last month Better Air Quality (BAQ) in Asia biennial conference was held in Bangkok. It highlighted one of the most pressing issues for the mega cities of Asia - the need to improve air quality while urbanization increases apace and along with it energy consumption and vehicle growth.

Air quality in Asia is certainly improving but is still far above World Health Organization limits. Particular matter (dust) is the main pollutant of concern while ozone is increasingly becoming a problem.

Let us be clear from the outset about the health, environmental and economic impacts of air pollution. On the health front, it has been shown in studies across the globe to have significant effects on the lungs, the heart and the nervous system.