World Health Organisation has called for immediate action against air pollution citing 9 out of 10 people globally are breathing poor quality air...
The alarm bells have been ringing for quite some time now. Yet, we have ignored the calls. Now the new data released by World Health Organisation (WHO) should make all of us extremely concerned about the side-effects of air pollution that is causing over six million deaths a year. The problem is most acute in cities, but air in rural areas is worse than many think, WHO experts said. Poorer countries have much dirtier air than the developed world, according to the report, but pollution "affects practically all countries in the world and all parts of society", the report elaborated.
About the study and it's finding
The current report was based on data collected from more than 3,000 sites across the globe. The report found 92 percent of the world's population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. The data focuses on dangerous particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, or PM2.5. PM2.5 includes toxins like sulfate and black carbon, which can penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system. Air with more than 10 microgrammes per cubic metre of PM2.5 on an annual average basis is considered substandard.
Outdoor vs indoor pollution
The WHO has estimated that more than six million deaths per year are linked to exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution. Data is more solid for outdoor pollution, which is blamed for more than three million fatalities annually. But indoor pollution can be equally as harmful, especially in poorer developing world homes where cooking often involves burning charcoal. Nearly 90-percent of air pollution-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, WHO said.
Who are at risk
The data shows Southeast Asia and Western Pacific region- inclluding China, Malaysia, and Vietnam- are the hardest hit. In May, WHO had reported that 80 per cent of world's city dwellers breathe poor quality air, a figure that rose to 98 per cent in poorer countries.
Sources of outdoor air pollution
- Combustion of fossil fuels
a)Domestic heating
b) Power generation
c) Motor vehicles
- Industrial processes
a) Solid waste management
b) Chemical incidents and spills
c) Cottage industries
d) Treatment of affluents
- Agricultural processes
- Waste incineration
- Natural processes
a) Thunderstorms
b) Volcanoes
Sources of indoor air pollution
- New carpets
- Broken fluorescent lights
- New electronics and other plastic products
- Glues and adhesives
- Heating equipments such as chimneys, heaters
- Paints and strippers
- Upholstered furniture and pressed-wood products
What others are doing
a) Paris: Paris has banned cars along a stretch of the River Seine as part of an anti-pollution drive. The decision affects a stretch along the river that has been pedestrianised for a month every summer since 2002, for the hugely popular Paris Plages riverside beach bonanza. To ensure the effectiveness of the road closure, the city plans to monitor traffic on other main arteries, along with noise and emissions levels and the use of the river bank by pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers.
b) Airlines: Aviation industry is supporting a United Nations proposal to limit pollution from international flights. The measure may eventually cost companies $24 billion annually. Exhaust from international flights accounts for about 2 percent of global greenhouse gases. With aviation emissions forecast to triple by 2050, airlines believe that regional or global regulation is inevitable. The agreement would not force airlines to cut their pollution. Instead, companies would compensate for any emissions growth after the accord begins in 2020 by buying credits that back renewable energy development, forest preservation or other environmental endeavors.
What could be done further
Healthy city planning may reduce disease: Study
Healthy city planning in densely populated countries like India and China may reduce growing epidemics, injuries and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, a new research suggests. The research released in conjunction with the United Nations (UN) quantifies health gains achieved if cities were designed so that shops, facilities, work and public transportation were within walking distance of most residents. The study tackled how to implement timely research into city design, planning and policy to improve the health of its residents. To improve the effectiveness and implementation of research, the team suggests that studies include collaborations between scientists and multisector policy makers and address questions that are relevant to city leaders, including information about public opinion and costs.
Tell us how can you contribute in curbing air pollution. Send us your suggestions in the comments below...