The State of Global Air 2017 report further states that the ozone levels have increased by 7% globally from 1990 to 2015 and is due to a combination of factors. Principal amongst these factors is the increase in emissions of ozone precursors such as nitrogen oxide combined with the warmer temperatures in mid-latitude developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Brazil and Bangladesh. However, the United States and the European Union have noted a decrease in the ozone concentration levels by, 5% and 2% respectively, since 1990 due to air quality management programs that are in place. 
The proposed study that will be carried out in the city of Lautoka in Fiji will try to determine the ambient level of criteria pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone and make comparisons with the existing WHO air quality guidelines. Such information is critical to ensure that policies are developed and implemented so that necessary air quality improvement steps can be taken if it is warranted.