Communications Team
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this week that nearly the entire global population breathes air that exceeds recommended quality standards.
The fact is, the air is often filled with particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the veins and arteries, and cause disease.
They noted that air quality is worst in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, followed by Africa.
Furthermore, the WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are due to preventable environmental causes.
“After surviving a pandemic, it is unacceptable that there are still 7 million preventable deaths and countless preventable years of healthy life lost due to air pollution. That is what we say when we examine the mountain of data, evidence, and solutions available on air pollution. “Yet, far too much investment continues to go toward a polluted environment rather than clean, healthy air,” said Dr. María Neira, Director of the WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.
In high-income countries, particulate matter pollution is lower, but most cities have problems with nitrogen dioxide.
This year's update to the WHO database highlights the importance of curbing the use of fossil fuels and taking steps to reduce air pollution levels.
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