WHO warns that 99% of the world’s population breathes polluted air

99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds the recommended quality limits, as warned by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a report published on the occasion of the celebration, on April 7, of the World Day of the Health, and in which more than 6,000 cities in 117 countries have been analyzed.

The new work is the largest database on the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, a common urban pollutant and precursor of particles and ozone, in cities, according to the director of the WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. , Maria Neira, who has warned that this air pollution is increasing the cases of respiratory diseases in the world.

“After surviving a pandemic, it is unacceptable to still have 7 million preventable deaths and countless preventable years of good health lost due to air pollution. That’s what we say when we look at the mountain of data, evidence and solutions available on air pollution. However, too many investments are still being invested in a polluted environment instead of clean and healthy air”, said Neira.

Measurements have also been made of particulate matter with diameters equal to or less than 10 micrometers or 2.5 micrometers, which are capable of penetrating the lungs and the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory problems. Both groups of pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to the burning of fossil fuels.

“Current energy concerns highlight the importance of accelerating the transition to cleaner and healthier energy systems. High fossil fuel prices, energy security, and the urgency of addressing the twin health challenges of air pollution and climate change underscore the pressing need to move faster toward a world that is far less dependent on fossil fuels. fossils,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

And it is that, as the technician of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health of the WHO, Sophie Gumy, has added, only 10 percent of cities around the world meet the air quality levels recommended by The OMS. Therefore, the agency has asked governments to adopt or review and implement national air quality standards in accordance with the latest WHO Air Quality Guidelines; monitor air quality and identify sources of air pollution; as well as supporting the transition towards the exclusive use of clean domestic energy for cooking, heating and lighting.

The WHO has also urged to build safe and affordable public transport systems and friendly networks for pedestrians and cyclists; implement stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards, and enforce mandatory vehicle inspection and maintenance; invest in energy efficient housing and power generation; and improve the management of industrial and municipal waste.

Other measures that, in the opinion of the WHO, countries must implement include reducing the incineration of agricultural waste, forest fires and certain agroforestry activities (for example, the production of charcoal); include air pollution in the curricula of health professionals and provide tools for the health sector to participate.