Geneva: A recent study published in a scientific journal outlines a strategy developed by experts to better understand and address the health impacts of air pollution and the associated challenges for populations.
According to media reports, researchers have emphasized the urgent need for interdisciplinary research focused on assessing exposure and risk of air pollution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations.
Exposure to air pollution and greenhouse gases is linked to increasing risks of various non-communicable diseases. It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) for lung cancer.
It is estimated that air pollution causes approximately 5.2 million deaths worldwide each year. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) to reduce the public health burden. These guidelines were based on recent studies examining the health impacts of global air pollution.
Approximately 99% of the global population suffers from consistently poor air quality that exceeds the limits set by the Global Air Quality Guidelines.
This is also associated with indirect diseases and disabilities, contributing to around 41 million deaths annually.
Of these deaths, 77% occur in low- and middle-income countries.