Air pollution is the world’s fourth leading cause of death, contributing to about 13 premature deaths every minute. The gases and tiny par...
Air pollution is the world’s fourth leading cause of death, contributing to about 13 premature deaths every minute. The gases and tiny particles can travel deep into your lungs, enter your bloodstream and damage your cells.
Even when you cannot see air pollutants, and even when their levels are below legal limits set by many countries worldwide, they can cause serious health problems that affect multiple organ systems in people of all ages. Air pollution levels that seem low are now linked to dangerous health outcomes such as low birth weight, respiratory problems, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
A lot has changed in scientists’ understanding of these health risks in recent years. That is why on September 22 the World Health Organization announced that it is tightening its recommended limits for almost every pollutant. The new global air quality guidelines reflect an overwhelming scientific consensus that countries need to more aggressively limit air pollution and protect everyone’s health.
As an epidemiologist at Tufts University who studies the health effects of air pollution, I recognise the damage air pollutants can cause. I also recognise the inequities in who is most exposed to poor air quality.
Health risks
The new air quality guidelines are the WHO’s first update since 2005, and major scientific, medical and public health societies support the ambitious implementation of...Read more
