The World Health Organization (WHO) is alarming a report health and public authorities on the worrying balance of air pollution. 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels do not meet the limits set by the WHO. The limits established in the guidelines of this institution are, on the quality of ambient air for an annual average of particles whose diameter is less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5), 10 µg/m3.
Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK made this report with data from 3,000 locations around the world, mostly cities. “Quick action to deal with the atmospheric pollution is urgently needed,” said a World Health Organization official. As many as 92% of people on the planet live in places where outdoor air quality levels do not meet WHO limits, according to a report released on Tuesday.
3 million deaths per year due to air pollution
The main sources of air pollution declared by the report are, inefficient modes of transport, household fuels, waste burning, coal-fired power plants and industrial activities.
“Air pollution continues to weigh heavily on the health of the most vulnerable populations, namely women, children and the elderly,” said Dr Bustreo in the report. “To be healthy, you have to breathe clean air, from the first to the last breath.”
Thanks to this new model, the WHO can establish even more reliable estimates of pollution-related mortality. “Of the huge global burden of over 6 million deaths, 1 in 9 deaths worldwide is thought to be due to exposure to indoor air pollution and outdoor air pollution,” says Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health, Social and Environmental Determinants of Health. “Three million deaths per year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution”.
“Quick action to deal with the atmospheric pollution is urgently needed,” adds Dr Neira. “There are solutions, including more sustainable transport systems, solid waste management, the use of clean stoves and fuels for households, as well as renewable energy and the reduction of industrial emissions,” she concludes.
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