More than 6 million global deaths due to air pollution, says UN

More than 6 million deaths that's one in nine globally are due to exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, the World Health Organization has said.

The people most affected are women, children and older adults, the agency says.

A new model shows countries where the danger spots are and provides a baseline for monitoring progress in combating it.

For people to be healthy, they must breathe clean air from their first breath to their last, according to Dr Flavia Bustreo, Assistant Director General at WHO.

Inefficient modes of transport, household fuel, waste burning, coal-fired power plants and industrial activities are all major sources of air pollution.

However, not all air pollution originates from human activity.

Air quality can also be influenced by dust storms, particularly in regions close to deserts.

A new air quality model was developed by the UN health agency and the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

It not only shows countries where the air pollution danger spots are but also represents detailed outdoor air-pollution-related health data.

Information is presented via interactive maps, highlighting areas within countries that exceed WHO limits.

The agency is calling for fast action to tackle air pollution through sustainable transport in cities, solid waste management and use of renewable energies.

SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.