WHO issues new guidelines for new air quality and mortality reduction

Geneva-Sana

The World Health Organization today released its first air quality guidelines since 2005 that aim to reduce premature deaths from major pollutants, especially in poor countries, through the transition to clean energy sources.

The organization said on its official website that it was the first time that it updated global air quality guidelines since 2005, since then the amount of data showing that air pollution affects various aspects of health has increased dramatically.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged governments to reduce emissions and tackle climate change, noting that the guidelines came at an important time before the climate change conference in Glasgow, which begins on October 31.

Maria Neira, director for environment, climate change and health at the World Health Organization, said the guidelines aim to accelerate the much-needed transition to "renewable and clean sources of energy", adding that "this puts the disease burden attributable to air pollution on a par with other global health risks." Like an unhealthy diet and tobacco smoking.”

The WHO noted that long-term exposure to lower concentrations of ambient and household air pollution can cause diseases including lung cancer, heart disease and stroke, leading to an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. Income is hardest hit by urbanization and economic development that relies heavily on burning fossil fuels.

The organization added that reducing exposure to particulate matter capable of penetrating the lungs and entering the bloodstream is a priority generated primarily through fuel combustion in sectors including transportation, energy, homes, industry and agriculture.

In advice to its 194 member states, the UN agency lowered recommended maximum levels for several pollutants including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, both of which are found in fossil fuel emissions.