99% of the world's population breathes poor quality air - Impact on health

Almost all people in the world breathe air that contains a lot of pollutants, the World Health Organization said on Monday. The UN health agency called for more action to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which generate pollutants that cause breathing and circulatory problems and cause millions of preventable deaths each year.

New data show that 99% of the global population inhales air that exceeds WHO air quality limits and is often filled with particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter veins and arteries, and cause disease. 

The database, which has traditionally considered two types of particles known as PM2.5 and PM10, has for the first time included ground measurements of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide originates mainly from the combustion of man-made fuel, such as through vehicle traffic, and is most common in urban areas. Exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. The highest concentrations were found in the eastern Mediterranean region.

"Particles, especially PM2.5, are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory effects," the WHO said.

"The world needs to prepare for major changes in an effort to curb air pollution, including the use of electric vehicles, the removal of fossil fuels, the use of green energy and the separation of waste types," said Anumita Roychowdhury, an expert on air pollution at the Center for Science and Environment, a research organization in New Delhi.

sources: Euronews, Clean Air Fund