To limit the exposure to small particulate matter ElcovaLana/Getty Images, stricter air pollution regulations are needed.
Millions of deaths could have been avoided if the entire world adopted the toughest air pollution limits today set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the 16th major overhaul of the guidelines, the guidelines recommend a lower daily and annual exposure to six pollutants from power stations, cars, and other sources. Research has increased the severity of health effects from low levels of pollution.
There is more evidence now than ever about the health effects of air pollution. Maria Neira, a WHO spokesperson, said that while our evidence was strong before, it is now even stronger.
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Stephen Holgate, University of Southampton, UK says that population-based studies have proven there is no safe level of air pollution.
Although the WHO's guidelines on air quality are not legally binding, they have an influence on governments. Clean air campaigners are calling for more stringent measures.
The new guidance reduces the annual limit on exposure to PM2.5 (small particulate matter) which is mainly produced by burning fossil fuels in vehicles and industry. The annual exposure to nitrogen dioxide (a toxic gas produced by diesel vehicles) is reduced by 75%.
According to the WHO, air pollution is the greatest threat to human health. It causes 7 million premature deaths each year. However, some estimates are higher.
According to the WHO, the new PM2.5 limits would reduce deaths from PM2.5 by around 80 percent, or 3.3 millions people per year, if the entire world followed these guidelines. Neira says, "How can you refuse to reduce by 88%?"
Experts in air quality say that the new limits are consistent with science regarding the health effects of dirty air exposure. These are significant developments. It is quite dramatic. It does, however, reflect current literature state, according to Jonathan Grigg from Queen Mary University of London.
Health hazards can occur at any stage of life, but pregnant and infanthood are particularly vulnerable. There is increasing evidence that long-term growth and cognitive abilities have been affected by air pollution, according to Frank Kelly, Imperial College London. He says that we need to take air pollution seriously as it is a serious public health issue.
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Grigg suggests that the UK government adopt the new guidelines immediately, using the Environment Bill currently in parliament. He believes that we could be the global leader in this area. The spokesperson for the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: While we will be using the updated WHO guidelines regarding PM2.5 as a guideline for developing air quality targets, we cannot underestimate the challenges they would present, especially in large cities and for everyday life.
91% of the world's population live in areas that exceed these limits. The death toll from dirty air is particularly high in Asia, where people live in cities throughout India and China.
The WHO has published simpler interim targets to reduce air pollution because it is difficult to make such large cuts. Neira said that countries need to remember that clean air will save lives and prevent future respiratory disease. It will also help them meet their climate goals.
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