Researchers have shown Honiara and Suva to have highly concerning levels of airborne pollution, exceeding UN guidelines.
A new study undertaken by UNSW, and the first of its kind for the region, has found the Solomon Islands and Fiji capitals regularly have dangerously poor quality air.
Over four years, researchers found urban Honiara to be the worst of four sites in the study, where air pollution was above World Health Organisation standards 75 per cent of the time - and often double or triple the recommended levels.
Air pollution matters a great deal for human health: it has been declared the leading environmental risk factor to healthy lives by the UN.
UNSW researchers note that three in four Solomon Islands children experience lower respiratory infection before they turn five.
Ongoing investigations into air particles hopes to derive the key sources of the pollution; including burned waste, vehicle emissions, diesel generators and industry.
Jimmy Hilly, of UNSW's Air Quality and Odour Laboratory, said the findings proved the need for more monitoring, and government-led action to improve quality.
"Exceeding the WHO Air Quality Guidelines for ambient air quality carries significant health implications. Vulnerable demographic groups, namely the elderly, women and children, are particularly at risk," Dr Hilly said.
"These findings highlight the urgent need for government action to establish robust air quality standards and long-term monitoring programs in Fiji and the Solomon Islands to mitigate health risks from poor air quality."
