9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air

Air pollution levels remain dangerously high in many parts of the world, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Updated estimations reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) air pollution. Many of the world’s megacities exceed WHO’s guideline levels for air quality by more than 5 times, representing a major risk to people’s health. Major sources of air pollution from particulate matter (PM) include the inefficient use of energy by households, industry, the agriculture and transport sectors, and coal-fired power plants. In some regions, sand and desert dust, waste burning and deforestation are additional sources of air pollution. Air quality can also be influenced by natural elements such as geographic, meteorological and seasonal factors. Air pollution does not recognize borders. Improving air quality demands sustained and coordinated governmental actions at all levels. Countries need to work together on solutions for sustainable transport, more efficient and renewable energy production and use, and better waste management. In addition to the health sector, WHO works with many sectors, including transport and energy, urban planning and rural development to support countries to tackle the escalating air pollution problem. Natural dust drastically increases air poll...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news