Some 2 million people die prematurely every year due to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new set of Air Quality Guidelines in an effort to compel national governments to more effectively curb emissions of major air pollutants and protect human health.
Based on the latest research and consultations with leading scientists, WHO's revised air quality guidelines are both stricter and standardized, identifying common targets for the reduction of four major air pollutants--particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide--across all geographic regions. WHO estimates that reducing levels of PM10 alone could reduce air pollution-related deaths by as much as 15% in cities around the world.
In many cities, current levels of particulate matter, an air pollutant primarily produced by the burning of fossil and other fuels, are more than three times the recommended, "healthy" levels. Asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and other cardiopulmonary diseases resulting from poor air quality have significant impacts on human health and society, including reduced life expectancies and increased health care costs.
The new guidelines, which will hopefully provide a foundation for countries to build their own air quality standards, also identify a series of interim targets and milestones that can be achieved through diverse national policy options.
RELATED LINKS:
2006 Air Quality Guidelines Executive Summary (pdf file)
WHO Health Topics: Indoor air pollution
EarthTrends Indicators:
Air Pollution: Carbon monoxide emissions
Air Pollution: Nitrogen oxides emissions
Air Pollution: Non-methane VOC emissions
